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Taking the ferry to Greece is one of the most practical decisions a van lifer or overlander can make — especially if you’re travelling with a dog. Driving through multiple Schengen and non-Schengen countries adds up fast in terms of vet checks, titer tests, and border paperwork. The ferry cuts all of that out. You load up in Italy and wake up in Greece, dog included, no detours required.
Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect on the Grimaldi Lines crossing from Ancona to Igoumenitsa, including the onward ferry connection to Corfu.
The Route
The main crossing runs from Ancona, Italy to Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland — around 21 hours at sea. From Igoumenitsa, it’s a straightforward drive (about 4-5 minutes) to the next ferry terminal for connections to Corfu, which takes roughly an hour and a half.
If you’re island-hopping or heading straight to the Ionian islands, this two-ferry route is the most direct option from the UK without routing through additional countries.
Booking and Check-In
Tickets are collected at the port. Check-in is calm — you drive through, park up, and wait. The process at Igoumenitsa on arrival is equally low-key. No rushing, no scrambling. Grimaldi handles the vehicle queue in a way that’s well-paced for larger vans and motorhomes, though the onward Igoumenitsa-to-Corfu ferry can be tight on space, so be prepared to reverse on and disembark passengers separately.
The Cabin
For a 21-hour crossing, a cabin is worth booking. Outside cabins come with a window, two single beds in a bunk configuration, a full shower room with toiletries, a large desk, a coat hanger, and plenty of storage — under the beds and in a separate storage unit. There’s a USB port and European plug sockets, so bring an adapter if needed. The room is compact but well-designed for an overnight crossing.
Travelling with a Dog
This is where Grimaldi makes things genuinely easy. Dogs are allowed in cabins, so you’re with your dog the entire crossing — no kennels, no separation. Every pet booking comes with a complimentary pet pack in the cabin: a mat, waste bags, a waste bag dispenser, and wipes, all in a small bag.
Dogs can access all outside deck areas. There’s a dedicated dog toilet on deck so they’re not stuck holding it for 21 hours. For the short stretch of outside time required at ports, a muzzle may be needed — worth checking current requirements before you sail.
Crucially, because you’re sailing direct from Italy to Greece (both EU countries), you avoid the titer test requirement that applies when travelling through non-Schengen countries. That alone saves significant time and cost.
Food and Onboard Facilities
The ship has a full restaurant with table service available for dinner — this can be added as an extra at booking. Lunch is a self-serve buffet with a wide range of hot and cold options. Breakfast is lighter but covers the basics.
There’s also a bar, live music in the evenings, and a top deck for outdoor seating. For a ferry crossing, it’s a comfortable setup — not a cruise ship, but genuinely good for what it is.
What to Know Before You Go
- Plug sockets are European standard — bring adapters
- Book the dinner add-on in advance if you want table service
- The Igoumenitsa-to-Corfu ferry is tightly packed for vehicles; be ready to manoeuvre
- Arrive at the port with enough buffer time — the drive from port to port in Igoumenitsa is short, but the onward ferry waits for no one
- Dogs must stay in outside areas or the cabin — they can’t roam internal corridors or restaurants
For van lifers doing the UK-to-Greece run with a dog, the Grimaldi Lines ferry to Greece is the route that makes the most sense. One long, comfortable crossing, your dog in the cabin with you, and you’re in Greece by morning.