×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
20
Feb 2026
weather symbol
Athens 16°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Greece

Athenians flee capital after free movement allowed

The exodus caused traffic jams

Newsroom May 14 06:01

Greeks were leaving en-masse from the Attica basin to nearby islands and other destinations on Friday, following the official lifting of the Covid-19 movement restriction between prefectures.

The exodus from urban centres started from early noon, causing traffic jams at the road tolls at the exits from Attica. Athenians, ‘locked down’ in Attica for so long due to the Covid-19 movement restrictions, decided to abandon the capital for three days after work.

Meanwhile, chaos also prevailed at the port of Piraeus, as many of the citizens leaving were turned back because they did not have the necessary documents for the coronavirus.
Many were trying at the last minute to find a rapid test, resulting in long queues forming in surrounding pharmacies.

>Related articles

Ten centuries-old olive trees in New Heraklion, Attica

New farmers’ rally at Syntagma today – tractors to depart at noon

The Metro tunnel boring machine “Athena” arrives at Evangelismos with The Doors’ “Break on Through” for Line 4 expansion (video)

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#athens#attica#free movement#travel
> More Greece

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Zelensky shocked his ministers according to WSJ: “Get ready for three more years of war”

February 20, 2026

The strengthening of the Greece–USA strategic defense relationship was at the center of the meeting between Dendias and a delegation from the US Congress

February 20, 2026

Temporary gov.gr Service Interruption on Sunday due to scheduled upgrade

February 20, 2026

Saudi Arabia may acquire uranium enrichment capabilities with the blessing of the US

February 20, 2026

Giannis Aggelakas: Transforms into “The Little Prince” on the Stage of Stegi

February 20, 2026

Greek and Cypriot diplomacy highlighted at AHI policy briefing & breakfast

February 20, 2026

The villa where Brad Pitt is staying on Hydra: It once belonged to Kostas Boutaris, went to auction, and now belongs to famed host Stephen Colbert

February 20, 2026

A close associate of Jeffrey Epstein and recruiter of girls was ready to expose the network, but suddenly…disappeared

February 20, 2026
All News

> Greece

Temporary gov.gr Service Interruption on Sunday due to scheduled upgrade

The upgrade is scheduled from 09:00 to 13:00

February 20, 2026

The International Baccalaureate IB will be equivalent to the General High School Diploma

February 20, 2026

Ioannina: Presidential Guard, F-16s and helicopters in the parade for the Liberation of the city

February 20, 2026

Attica storm alert: Kolydas warns of heavy rain starting after 7 pm

February 20, 2026

Hélène Glykatzi – Ahrweiler and her final farewell – Eulogies were delivered by PM Mitsotakis, and President of the Hellenic Republic K. Tasoulas (updated)

February 20, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα