Passenger traffic at Attica’s three largest ports is reaching exceptionally high levels during the three-day period from Friday, August 7, to Sunday, August 9, as Greece’s annual summer holiday exodus to the islands reaches its peak.

According to port authorities, a total of 147 ferry departures have been scheduled from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, with an estimated 129,201 passengers expected to travel. These figures do not yet include ferry services and passenger traffic to the Saronic Gulf islands, meaning the final total is expected to be even higher.

The busiest day is expected to be Sunday, with an estimated 44,928 passengers departing from the three ports. Saturday is forecast to see 44,720 passengers, while Friday is expected to record 39,553 departures.

Piraeus

As every summer, Piraeus remains Greece’s busiest passenger port, accounting for nearly 73% of all ferry traffic during the three-day period.

Breakdown:

• Friday, August 7: 23 departures – 27,968 passengers
• Saturday, August 8: 25 departures – 31,392 passengers
• Sunday, August 9: 23 departures – 34,441 passengers

In total, 71 ferry departures are scheduled from Piraeus, carrying an estimated 93,801 passengers.

Rafina

Rafina is also experiencing heavy traffic, serving mainly destinations in the Cyclades and Evia.

Breakdown:

• Friday, August 7: 16 departures – 7,685 passengers
• Saturday, August 8: 14 departures – 9,700 passengers
• Sunday, August 9: 15 departures – 7,320 passengers

Overall, 45 departures are scheduled from Rafina, with an estimated 24,705 passengers.

Lavrio

Passenger traffic at Lavrio remains steady, primarily serving routes to the Cyclades and the northeastern Aegean.

Breakdown:

• Friday, August 7: 12 departures – 3,900 passengers
• Saturday, August 8: 8 departures – 3,628 passengers
• Sunday, August 9: 11 departures – 3,167 passengers

A total of 31 ferry departures are scheduled from Lavrio, with an estimated 10,695 passengers.

Authorities are advising travelers to arrive at the ports well in advance, particularly during peak hours, as the heavy August holiday traffic is expected to cause increased congestion during boarding procedures.

Once passenger figures for the Saronic Gulf ferry routes are added, total traffic for the three-day period is expected to rise even further.