Thousands of travelers are returning from the islands to Attica, while others are still heading out for late-August getaways as authorities prepare for increased passenger traffic.

Ferries are arriving packed with passengers and vehicles at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio as August vacationers begin returning to the Athens area

More than 90,000 passengers traveled through the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio on Monday, with arrivals outnumbering departures as the first major wave of summer vacationers returned to Attica

The pop icon chose Corfu for a private birthday getaway, joining a growing list of international celebrities drawn to the Grecian islands and coastal resorts this summer

The feast day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is commemorated every Aug. 15 by the Orthodox Church, coinciding with the annual exodus in the country toward the islands, coasts and mountainous mainland

Thousands are leaving Athens for the islands, with 24 ferries scheduled to depart Piraeus on Thursday and ship occupancy reaching up to 96% on popular routes.

A total of 23 ferry departures are scheduled from the Port of Piraeus to destinations in the Aegean and Crete. Another 55 sailings are planned for the Saronic Gulf islands, including 31 high-speed ferries and 24 conventional vessels.

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.

Greece's shipping minister said passenger safety remains the government's top priority during a visit to the busy port of Kyllini, where he also discussed infrastructure upgrades and future maritime development projects

Greek labor law requires employers to pay vacation allowance and regular wages before annual leave begins, while workers are also protected against dismissal during their statutory vacation.

The ferry left with 800 passengers as demand for the northern Greece route remained strong throughout July, with most travelers opting for short summer getaways of four to five days.

Justin and Hailey Bieber reportedly return to Greece with their son, enjoying a quiet family getaway in Kranidi, away from the spotlight.

Thousands of drivers faced delays on major routes out of Greece’s second-largest city, with heavy traffic toward Halkidiki beaches and other summer destinations.

Expedia’s 2026 island ranking spotlights rising destinations, from Portugal’s Porto Santo and Greece’s Syros to Norway’s stunning Lofoten Islands.

Pedro Pascal was spotted enjoying a low-key getaway on Hydra with ‘The Bear’ star Ebon Moss-Bachrach and musician Jason Aalon Butler.

A break by the sea or in the mountains can be undone by a single sting or reaction. Doctors and pharmacists explain what to know, and what to pack, before you head off

Experts advise keeping a simple but practical medical kit with essential allergy treatments and basic supplies, while stressing the importance of calm prevention and timely medical care during outdoor trips

Mykonos, Paros and Halkidiki rank among Greece's most expensive second-home markets, as strong international demand continues to drive interest in premium coastal properties despite limited supply

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.