Anek Superfast
Anek Superfast is the operational alliance formed in 2011 between two of Greece's most iconic ferry companies: ANEK Lines (founded in 1967 in Chania, Crete) and Superfast Ferries (founded in 1995), both now integrated within Attica Group alongside Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. The mission of this joint venture is to optimise capacity and schedules on the Adriatic routes and on Greek domestic connections to Crete. Its extensive fleet of 12 vessels operates the most important routes in the eastern Mediterranean: the Adriatic crossings between Italy and Greece (Ancona–Patras, Bari–Igoumenitsa) and the overnight connections from Piraeus to Crete. It carries more than one million passengers a year.
Anek Superfast operates year-round, with greater frequency in summer. Its routes are divided into two main categories: the Adriatic crossings between Italy and Greece, and Greek domestic services to Crete and the Aegean islands.
Adriatic — Italy → Greece
Ancona → Patras ~23 h Daily › Ancona → Igoumenitsa ~17 h ~11/week › Ancona → Corfu ~19 h ~4/week › Bari → Patras ~16 h 30 min 6/week › Bari → Igoumenitsa ~9 h 6/week › Bari → Corfu ~8 h 3/week › Venice → Patras ~25 h ~2/week ›Greece — Domestic services (Crete)
Piraeus → Chania ~8 h 30 min Daily › Piraeus → Heraklion ~9 h Daily ›Frequencies vary by season, with additional sailings in July and August. Some Adriatic routes include intermediate stops in summer. Check up-to-date availability on the iloveferry.com search engine.
Across the entire Anek Superfast network, four routes stand out for their demand, frequency and tourist appeal: they best represent what the company offers for connecting Europe with the eastern Mediterranean.
The longest and most complete Adriatic route, with an overnight departure from Ancona and arrival at Patras the following day. Perfect for those who want to explore Greece from the Peloponnese.
Type: Overnight, ~23 h · Ideal for: Families with cars, caravan travellers (Camping on Board available)
The shortest Adriatic crossing with Anek Superfast, at around 9 hours. Connects southern Italy with the natural gateway to Corfu and the Ionian Islands.
Type: Day/overnight, ~9 h · Ideal for: Tourists heading to the Ionian Islands, travellers with vehicles from southern Italy
The classic overnight ferry between Athens and the Cretan capital. Departing at dusk and arriving early in Crete, maximising travel days on Greece's largest island.
Type: Overnight, ~8 h 30 min · Ideal for: Tourists heading to western Crete, Greek diaspora, quick journeys
Direct connection between Piraeus and Crete's largest port. With overnight departures and dawn arrivals, it is the preferred route for reaching the east of the island and the Cretan capital.
Type: Overnight, ~9 h · Ideal for: Tourists heading to eastern Crete, Knossos, Dodecanese from Heraklion
The Anek Superfast fleet brings together 12 vessels combining the power and speed of the Superfast ships — the fastest on the Adriatic, capable of reaching 32 knots — with the large conventional ferries of ANEK Lines. Among its most iconic vessels are the Hellenic Spirit (204 m in length, 1,850 passengers, 670 vehicles), the Superfast XI (200 m, 1,821 passengers, 721 vehicles) and the Crete-dedicated ferries such as the Elyros and the Kriti II. The Superfast line vessels were built in Germany between 1995 and 2002; the ANEK Lines vessels were built in Greek and international shipyards from the 1970s onwards.
The Anek Superfast combined fleet covers two distinct scenarios: the large cruise-ferries of the Adriatic and the overnight vessels of the Aegean for Crete. These are the four most notable vessels currently in service.
Hellenic Spirit
High-speed ferry built in 2001. Length: 204 m. Capacity: 1,850 passengers and 670 vehicles. Speed: 32 knots. Features an outdoor pool, disco, à la carte restaurant, bars and a camping deck. Operates on Italy–Greece Adriatic routes.
Superfast XI
High-speed ferry built in 2002 in Germany. Length: 200 m. Capacity: 1,821 passengers and 721 vehicles. Features a pool, disco, casino (slot machines), video games lounge, Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor bars, and a shop. Operates on Adriatic routes.
Elyros
Large conventional ferry dedicated to Greek domestic services between Piraeus and Crete. Features multi-category cabins, a restaurant, bars and a vehicle deck. Its name evokes the ancient Cretan river Elyros.
Kriti II
Historic conventional ferry from the ANEK Lines fleet, specialising in the Piraeus–Crete route. Spacious lounges, interior and exterior cabins, a self-service restaurant and bars. Its name, "Crete II" in Greek, reflects its founding purpose.
The vessel assigned to each crossing may vary depending on operational availability and seasonal demand. The company reserves the right to substitute the assigned vessel without prior notice.
Anek Superfast operates across nine ports spread between Italy, mainland Greece and the island of Crete. The Italian ports of Ancona, Bari and Venice serve as gateways from Europe, while the Greek ports of Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu, and the Cretan ports of Chania and Heraklion, concentrate traffic towards the eastern Mediterranean.
Anek Superfast has an extensive discount programme for passengers and vehicles, applicable to the Adriatic routes (Italy–Greece) and the Greek domestic services to Crete and the Aegean islands.
Discounts cannot be combined unless expressly stated; only the most favourable offer will be applied. Discounts do not include the fuel supplement or port taxes. Please verify the current conditions when booking on iloveferry.com.
Anek Superfast crossings range from 8 hours (Piraeus–Chania) to 25 hours (Venice–Patras), making the choice of accommodation key to a comfortable journey. The company offers everything from budget options to luxury cabins.
Prices vary significantly by season (peaking in July–August), accommodation type and how far in advance the booking is made. Early booking is strongly recommended in peak season, particularly for cabins and vehicle deck spaces.
Each passenger may bring up to 50 kg of luggage free of charge. Luggage is taken to the cabin or left in the designated storage areas in the corridors and lounges. No check-in of suitcases is required: passengers manage their own luggage independently.
Anek Superfast accepts cars, motorbikes, vans, caravans, motorhomes and lorries on its vessel decks. When booking, it is essential to specify the vehicle type and exact dimensions (length, width and height), as the price is calculated based on these. Electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles must have the battery below 40% of capacity when boarding; gas or LPG vehicles must have the tank below 50%. Once the vehicle has been loaded, access to it during the crossing is not permitted. Motorhomes and caravans may opt for Camping on Board (available from 1 April to 31 October on Adriatic routes), which allows sleeping in your own vehicle during the crossing; this must be booked in advance.
Pets are welcome on board all Anek Superfast vessels. Animals can travel in cabins (with a pet supplement) or in the ship's kennels. Pets are not permitted in common indoor areas. Up-to-date veterinary documentation is mandatory, including the vaccination record with current vaccines (especially rabies). For EU citizens, the European Pet Passport is required. Small dogs may travel in a carrier in their owner's cabin.
The Adriatic routes between Italy and Greece are international crossings (Schengen–non-Schengen zone). Although both countries are EU members, please check the current documentation requirements for passengers and pets before boarding. During peak season (July–August) book as early as possible, especially if travelling with a vehicle, caravan or pet in a cabin.
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