The return of holidaymakers from the Holy Spirit long weekend is expected to peak on Monday afternoon and evening, with authorities on alert at ports and across the road network.

Traffic is expected to increase on routes leading back to major urban centres, as travellers who left for the three-day break begin their return, alongside those who opted for a one-day getaway on the public holiday.

Movement remains heavy at Attica’s ports. From Piraeus, 19 sailings are scheduled for the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and Crete, while 47 services are running to the Saronic Gulf islands, including 22 high-speed vessels and hydrofoils and 25 conventional ferries. Another 15 sailings are scheduled from Rafina and 12 from Lavrio.

Day trips were also particularly popular, mainly to Aegina and Agistri, with high occupancy recorded on ferries from the morning departures.

Traffic police have deployed officers at key points on the national and regional road network to help manage the return flow and prevent accidents. A ban on lorries weighing more than 3.5 tonnes is also in force on inbound routes towards urban centres from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Authorities are urging drivers to be cautious, follow the highway code, avoid risky overtaking and aggressive driving, and use seat belts and helmets where required.

By early Monday afternoon, traffic on the Athens-Corinth national road was moving smoothly, with no major delays reported at the Elefsina tolls. However, officials continued to monitor conditions ahead of the expected rise in traffic later in the day.