Μake us preferred on Google Ferry traffic from the greater Athens-Piraeus agglomeration’s three main ports to the Aegean islands and the Saronic Gulf is expected to increase heading into the weekend, as Greece’s annual August holiday exodus continues.
The coast guard has stepped up measures to facilitate passengers and ensure the smooth operation of ferry services, with increased personnel at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio.
An estimated 28,746 passengers were estimated to have departed from Piraeus on Friday. Rafina, on the eastern coast of Attica prefecture, is expected to handle 5,175 departing passengers and Lavrio, in the extreme southeast tip of the prefecture, 1,822.
Traffic is expected to remain heavy throughout the weekend, with an estimated 27,044 passengers departing from the four ports on Saturday and another 24,656 on Sunday. The estimated total for Friday through Sunday is 80,446 departing passengers.
The figures come during the peak of Greece’s traditional August holiday period, when large numbers of residents of the greater Athens-Piraeus area leave the capital for the islands. Piraeus serves as the main gateway to the Cyclades, Crete and other Aegean destinations, while Rafina is a major departure point for the Cyclades, including Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos. Lavrio also serves a limited number of close Aegean routes, while frequent services from the Saronic Gulf connect Piraeus with nearby island destinations.
The annual exodus typically intensifies in early August and reaches its busiest levels around mid-August, with ferries often operating at or near full capacity.
The surge in traffic follows a busy summer season in which ferry demand has repeatedly risen sharply.
