Heavy traffic is building around Greece's busiest port as thousands of travelers begin the August holiday getaway, while ferry services gradually return to normal following weather-related disruptions.

Gale-force winds of up to Force 9 have halted departures from the ports of Rafina and Lavrio, while ferry services from Piraeus continue on a case-by-case basis subject to captains' decisions and port authority approval.

Powerful winds sweeping across the Aegean have led to sailing bans and widespread ferry cancellations, with authorities urging passengers to check for schedule changes before traveling

Thousands of travelers are departing for Greece's islands as the July holiday getaway peaks, despite rising transport and accommodation costs prompting many to plan ahead or shorten their vacations.

Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias urged travelers to follow port authorities' safety instructions as ferry traffic surges, with passenger occupancy expected to reach 100% ahead of the August holiday peak.

Business and legal groups say a missing year-round ferry connection is leaving several Cyclades islands isolated, increasing transport costs and disrupting travel for residents and businesses.

The direct ferry service connecting Lemnos with Turkey’s Çanakkale is scheduled to begin next month.

Livestock farmers protest disease measures, halting port operations and leaving hundreds stranded as tensions rise over economic losses

All maritime traffic will be suspended for 24 hours as the seafarers’ union presses for action to protect crews stranded in the Middle East.

A 24-hour nationwide walkout on February 28 will halt all vessels in tribute to the 57 victims of the 2023 Tempi train disaster and to highlight the importance of transport safety.

Workers are demanding the renewal of collective labor agreements with wage increases, improved health and safety measures on board ships, and stricter inspections.

Severe weather in northeastern Greece triggered flooding, road closures, ferry cancellations and school disruptions in Evros, as authorities urged residents to avoid dangerous areas and meteorologists warned of further extreme conditions

Strong southerly winds in the Aegean Sea have forced authorities to suspend several ferry services from Greece’s main port, with cancellations also affecting routes in nearby region

Strong winds reaching up to gale force have triggered a nationwide sailing ban, grounding ferries at major ports, suspending key sea routes and forcing traffic restrictions on the Rio–Antirrio bridge

Boats from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio to the Aegean, Cyclades, Crete and the Saronic Gulf are canceled as severe weather is forecast through Thursday

The Skopelitis connects the small isles of Donousa, Koufonisi, Schinousa and Irakleia with the large island of Naxos – the biggest in the Cyclades chain

Passengers planning to travel today are advised to contact local port authorities and travel agencies for the latest updates or any changes to scheduled routes.

Gale-force winds have suspended most ferry routes nationwide, while severe weather in northwestern Greece has caused flight disruptions, landslides, and damage to roads and utilities

Passengers were advised to monitor updates from port authorities and ferry operators.

Strong winds in the central Aegean have led to a sailing ban from major ports near Athens on Saturday, disrupting ferry services to popular island destinations, with normal operations expected to resume on Sunday