Thousands of holidaymakers flooded the streets of Piraeus on Monday morning, August 4, as Greece entered the peak of its summer holiday season. With ferry boats departing at nearly full capacity, long lines of vehicles formed as early as dawn, creating severe traffic congestion in and around the city’s main port.

The traffic jam reportedly starts as far back as the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), stretching all the way to the ferry terminals of Piraeus. Authorities are urging drivers to remain patient as the exodus of vacationers heading to the islands causes major delays.

The Cyclades remain a top destination this summer, with most ferries bound for the region operating at 100% capacity. Other popular destinations include the islands of the Northern and Eastern Aegean, Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Argosaronic Gulf.

Weekend Numbers Show Early Surge

Over the first weekend of August, 36,421 passengers boarded ferries from Piraeus, while an additional 10,710 traveled to the closer islands of the Argosaronic Gulf for short or single-day getaways.

From the port of Lavrio, 4,519 passengers headed mainly to the Cyclades, and another 9,730 travelers departed from Rafina for both the Cyclades and Marmari.

As the August holidays begin in earnest, traffic congestion and high demand for ferry services are expected to continue throughout the coming days. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach the ports.