High demand for ferry travel as thousands leave Athens for islands

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, a significant surge in passenger traffic was recorded at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio as thousands of travelers departed Athens for their summer vacations. Ships bound for the Cyclades have reached 100% occupancy, prompting the Hellenic Coast Guard to implement increased security and logistical measures to ensure orderly boarding.

Data from ferry companies indicates that on Saturday alone, Piraeus saw 25 scheduled departures with 31,392 passengers, while Rafina and Lavrio facilitated 14 and 8 departures carrying 9,700 and 3,628 passengers, respectively. Additionally, 54 vessels are servicing the Argosaronic Gulf. Looking ahead to Sunday, August 9, passenger numbers remain high, with Piraeus scheduled for 23 departures carrying 34,441 travelers. These figures continue a trend of heavy traffic that began on Friday, August 7, when 30,009 passengers departed from Piraeus alone.