Maritime authorities across Greece have imposed a widespread sailing ban as severe weather conditions sweep the country, disrupting ferry services and coastal transport on Wednesday.

Ferries are remaining docked at ports nationwide due to powerful winds affecting large parts of the Aegean and Ionian seas. According to Greece’s national weather service, wind speeds are reaching up to force 9 on the Beaufort scale in some areas, with further intensification expected later in the day.

Major Ports Suspend All Routes

All scheduled ferry departures from Greece’s main ports—Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, which serve the majority of routes to the Aegean islands—have been cancelled. Services to destinations including the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and Crete are suspended as authorities warn that conditions will worsen from midday, particularly in the wider Athens region.

Limited Services in the Saronic Gulf

In the Saronic Gulf, ferry services are operating only with conventional vessels and solely at the discretion of each ship’s captain. High-speed ferries are not running at least until late afternoon, reflecting the heightened safety concerns caused by rough seas and strong winds.

Key Sea Routes Closed Nationwide

Several important coastal and island connections remain completely shut. These include ferry lines linking mainland Greece with nearby islands and regional hubs in both the Aegean and Ionian seas, as well as the ferry crossing between Rio and Antirrio, a critical transport link in western Greece.

Authorities have also suspended ferry routes serving island groups in central and northern Greece, further limiting travel options for passengers and freight.

Traffic Restrictions at the Rio–Antirrio Bridge

In addition to the ferry suspension, traffic restrictions are in effect on the Rio–Antirrio bridge due to hazardous wind conditions in the surrounding sea area. Pedestrians, motorcycles, caravans and high-sided or empty-load vehicles are temporarily banned from crossing, as strong gusts pose a safety risk.

Advice to Travelers

Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with local port authorities or ferry operators for the latest updates, as schedules will depend on how weather conditions evolve throughout the day.