Greek ferry traffic is on the rise this summer, with passengers showing a clear preference for nearby islands, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Shipping.
During the first 19 days of July, passenger traffic across the country’s major ferry routes increased by more than 6.7% compared to the same period last year. The most notable rise was seen on routes to the Saronic Gulf islands, where traffic jumped nearly 20%, reflecting a broader trend among travelers favoring shorter and more affordable trips.
Despite the high cost of ferry tickets, especially to distant destinations—a burden that weighs heavily against the average Greek household’s purchasing power—many people continue to choose island holidays. Even short getaways to Aegean destinations, whether in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, or the Northern and Eastern Aegean, remain popular.
Between July 1 and 19, more than 650,000 passengers departed from the three major ports of Attica—Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio—bound for Aegean islands. Ferry traffic from Piraeus to the Aegean rose by 6.7%.
The most significant growth, however, was on the Saronic routes, where passenger numbers surged by 19.95%. Analysts say this shift is driven by cost-conscious travelers, as the overall expense of visiting nearby islands is significantly lower, making them a practical and attractive choice.
While traffic at Lavrio port also showed a modest increase, Rafina reported a slight decline in passenger numbers over the same period.
Winners and Losers Among Island Destinations
Ferry industry insiders note that not all destinations are benefiting equally from this summer’s uptick in traffic. While the Saronic islands and Cyclades continue to attract growing numbers of visitors, more distant destinations such as the Dodecanese, Ikaria, Samos, and even Crete are experiencing a decline.
The message from travelers seems clear: closer is better, particularly when transportation costs are a deciding factor.
