Μake us preferred on Google Lesbos could gain three additional high-speed ferry connections with mainland Greece following decisions by Greece’s Coastal Transport Council, which approved plans for a subsidized route linking the port of Lavrio with the northeastern Aegean islands.
According to local news website nealesvos.gr, the proposed service would connect Lavrio, southeast of Athens, with either the port of Mesta or the main port of Chios, depending on the choice of local authorities on the island.
A key condition is that the route be extended to Mytilene, the capital and main port of Lesbos, at no additional cost.
The decision would pave the way for three additional high-speed sailings connecting Mytilene with Chios and Lavrio, expanding travel options between Lesbos and mainland Greece.
Chios funding also benefits Lesbos
Under the council’s decisions, three of the six ferry sailings connecting Mytilene with the port of Piraeus will receive subsidies for the section of the route extending to Chios, with provisions for the subsidy to cover Lesbos as well.
The arrangement is significant for Mytilene. Without the additional subsidy, at least two of the ferry services linking the island with Piraeus risked being cut during the coming winter.
According to nealesvos.gr, the closure of Chios Airport and the resulting need to strengthen the island’s transport links with mainland Greece appear to have created benefits for neighboring Lesbos as well.
The funding is expected to help preserve a substantial part of the existing ferry connections between Mytilene and Piraeus, while creating the possibility of additional high-speed services through Lavrio.
Final decisions on the route’s configuration and which port on Chios will be served are expected in the coming period.
