The departure of excursionists for the three-day Holy Spirit holiday continues today by any means, although fewer Greeks traveled to domestic destinations this year, according to Lysander Tsilidis, president of the federation of travel agencies in the country, FedHatta.
From the port of Piraeus, 21 itineraries are scheduled for today, with an expected departure of 19,652 passengers. The port of Rafina is also experiencing increased traffic, with eight routes planned for today and an anticipated 8,130 passengers. Meanwhile, from the port of Lavrio, 10 vessels are set to depart today, carrying a total of 2,624 passengers.
Speaking to the Athens News Agency, Mr Tsilidis spoke of a 15% drop in domestic mobility compared to last year, which he attributed to economic reasons.
During this period, the honour is given to escapes to island destinations and those that are close to urban centers and of course have beaches. In any case, Mykonos and Santorini have reduced mobility and for the Greek public, while Paros and Naxos moved upwards for the three days of the Holy Spirit. Meanwhile, the South Aegean islands are also moving well this period, while Crete has very good mobility, with Chania and Rethymno attracting significant shares of Greeks, as Mr. Tsilidis notes.
This 3-day winning destinations for “outsiders” in Greece
According to data from Aegean, the show is being “stolen” by destinations that guarantee less “noisy” holidays and are often left behind in favour of the more popular or “must have” destinations, but promise quieter, more authentic or possibly more economical getaways, away from the big crowds and “celebrities”.
Interestingly, there is a trend towards destinations such as Skiathos, Ikaria, Chios, Limnos, Mytilini and Kythera, without this of course meaning that the Cyclades are still a favourite destination for Greeks, especially the younger ones. A trend which, apart from the development of the regions themselves, contributes to the effort made to spread the Greek tourist product to more destinations in the country.
Of course destinations such as Heraklion, Chania and Rhodes always remain at a high level, but tend to have last minute bookings.
For those who now want to travel at the last minute, Pricefox shows how much it will cost you to make a road trip to sterling summer destinations by the sea.
Porto Heli
Porto Heli is a favourite destination, perfect for a relaxing getaway by the sea. The cost for petrol and tolls is €29 per trip, while accommodation for 21-24 June costs €320. The total price for the three days is 378€, which is 189€ per person.
Eretria
Eretria offers an economical solution for you in need of an escape close to Attica. With travel costs at 17€/way and accommodation at 230€, the total price is 264€, or 132€ per person.
Parga
For you who want to explore the beautiful landscapes of Epirus, Parga is an ideal choice. Travel costs are 95€/way, with accommodation at 221€, making the total cost for the three-day trip 411€, or 205.5€ per person.
Afissos
Afissos in Pagasitikos Gulf is an excellent choice for a peaceful holiday combining mountain and sea. Travel costs 70€/way, while accommodation costs 163€. In total, the cost for the three days is 303€, or 151,5€ per person.
Gythio
Gythio in Laconia is also a worthwhile option. With travel costs at 55€/way and accommodation at 260€, the total cost is 370€, or 185€ per person.
Zacharo
Zacharo, known for its lovely beach, is a relatively affordable option for the three-day trip. Travel costs are 50€/way and accommodation is 217€, for a total cost of 317€, or 158.5€ per person.
Lefkada
Lefkada is one of the most popular destinations in the Ionian Sea. With travel costs of 85€/way and accommodation of 230€, the total cost is 400€, or 200€ per person.
Cost of a trip starting from Thessaloniki
Halkidiki – Afitos (1st leg)
Afitos in Halkidiki is a popular choice for residents of Thessaloniki – and beyond! Travel costs are 12€/way, while accommodation costs 260€. In total, the cost for the three days is 284€, or 142€ per person.
Halkidiki – Neos Marmaras (2nd leg)
Neos Marmaras is among the budget destinations with a travel cost of 17€/ trip and accommodation of 155€. The total price is 189€, or 94.5€ per person.
Kavala
Kavala is an ideal choice for a getaway that combines summer diving with cultural interests. Travel costs are 28€/way and accommodation is 137€, for a total cost of 193€, or 96.5€ per person.
Platamonas
Platamonas, with its famous castle, is easily accessible from Thessaloniki. Travel costs are 22€/way, while accommodation is 149€. The total cost is 193€, or 96,5€ per person.