Zadar reconnected with Italy as Jadrolinija restarts fast catamaran route to Ancona

(Photo: Grad Zadar)

After more than a decade, Zadar has once again been connected with the Italian port city of Ancona by a fast passenger sea route, with the first passengers arriving in Croatia aboard Jadrolinija’s catamaran Jelena.

The seasonal international service resumed on 3 July, operating between Zadar’s Gaženica Port and Ancona, restoring an important Adriatic link between the Croatian and Italian coasts.

The four-hour journey brought Italian visitors to Zadar, while also providing Croatian travellers with a faster and more convenient connection to Italy.

The new route currently has a capacity of 300 passengers and is operated several times a week, with departures from Zadar scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The catamaran leaves Gaženica Port at 8:00 and arrives in Ancona at 12:00. Return departures from Ancona are scheduled for 14:00.

(Photo: Grad Zadar)

The first arriving passengers were welcomed in Zadar by representatives of Jadrolinija, the Zadar Port Authority, local tourism organisations, as well as Zadar Mayor Šime Erlić and Zadar County Prefect Josip Bilaver.

Erlić highlighted the historical importance of the connection between Zadar and Ancona, noting that the route strengthens international passenger transport and offers travellers the opportunity to reach Italy in less than four hours in a comfortable setting.

Bilaver described the renewed connection as an important step, while emphasising that passengers need time to become accustomed to the service. He added that the long-term goal remains establishing a permanent ferry connection between Zadar and Ancona.

The service is operated by the catamaran Jelena, which has been part of Jadrolinija’s fleet since 2018.

(Photo: Grad Zadar)

Built in Singapore, the vessel is equipped with modern navigation systems and a wastewater treatment system. It is also adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible facilities and boarding infrastructure.

According to Jadrolinija, the renewed route is intended to strengthen links between the Croatian and Italian coasts and support more stable seasonal and future year-round passenger traffic across the Adriatic.