One of many sea routes between Italy and Croatia is the one from Ancona to Zadar. Wonder why to visit Zadar? This city situated in the northern part of Croatia coast is a city with stunning architecture and warm climate.
From here you can easily reach Plitvice Lakes, Istrian peninsula, the city of Zagreb as well as cities in the south like Split, Makarska and Dubrovnik.
The ferry from Ancona to Zadar operates once a week, during July and August (the crossing time is around 9 hour).
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The port of Ancona is situated in central Italy, some 300km from both Rome and Florence. For easier planning of your trip to Rome, read how to visit Rome on a budget and guide on best areas to stay in Rome.
It's possible to catch a train from Rome to Ancona taking 3.5 to 4 hours (via Florence and Bologna, where you need to change the train). The train tickets start from 22 Euros. Learn more about train travel within Italy!
Ancona is easy to reach by car from any part of Italy, from north to south as it has central position.
As mentioned above, once you reach Zadar you can easily travel within Croatia. Take one of many buses (3h 30min ride) to Zagreb or just board the plane and you'll be in Zagreb in only 40 minutes.
From Zadar you can drive to beautiful Istria to visit picturesque cities and villages and taste amazing food. Or take a high-speed catamaran to the island of Losinj (Mali Losinj).
From Zadar bus terminal you can take buses to many places on the coast - Sibenik, Split or Dubrovnik. Plitvice Lakes is another great destination that can be reached from Zadar (by bus or by taking organised tour).