Athens, May 30 – A massive holiday exodus is underway in Greece, with tens of thousands of residents leaving Athens and other major urban centers for a long weekend getaway. Ports, airports, and intercity bus terminals are experiencing significant traffic, as passenger numbers and booking rates have reached exceptionally high levels.
Busy Ports and Ferry Routes as Thousands Head to Islands
Ferry operators reported that over 28,800 passengers were expected to depart from the ports in the wider Athens area on Saturday alone. This figure is based on tickets already issued, and the final number is anticipated to be even higher due to last-minute bookings. Authorities have implemented various measures to manage the increased passenger flow, as demand for transport services remains exceptionally strong.
The Port of Piraeus, Greece’s largest passenger port, scheduled 14 departures to Aegean islands, accommodating an estimated 10,890 travelers. Ferry services to nearby island destinations also saw substantial demand, with 42 departures transporting more than 7,000 passengers.
Similarly, the Port of Rafina experienced intense activity, with 10 departures expected to carry 7,754 passengers to popular island destinations. Additionally, nine departures were scheduled from Lavrio, serving over 3,000 travelers.
Friday’s figures underscored the scale of the holiday movement, with more than 45,700 passengers traveling through major ports, including Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio, marking the earnest start of the weekend getaway.
Intercity Buses and Air Travel See Strong Demand
Intercity bus routes also reported robust demand. Although no additional services were scheduled for Saturday, operators indicated that occupancy rates were nearing 100%. Passenger traffic was estimated to be approximately 5% higher than during the same holiday period last year. Popular destinations included various regions across the mainland, attracting travelers to both coastal and inland locations. Additional bus services had been introduced on Friday to accommodate the surge in demand.
Airlines similarly reported high booking levels for the holiday period. Average seat occupancy reached approximately 80% on international routes and 75% on domestic services. Several domestic leisure destinations were among the most popular choices for travelers departing from Athens, while international demand focused on major European cities. Flight occupancy rates on some routes climbed as high as 95%, reflecting the strong desire for short holiday breaks.
Roads Remain Congestion-Free Despite High Traffic Volumes
Despite the large number of departures, traffic conditions on major highways remained relatively smooth. Police noted that many travelers opted for island destinations, resulting in greater pressure on ports rather than on the national road network. Over 90,000 vehicles passed through the main toll stations serving Athens over a 24-hour period. Traffic authorities remain vigilant and prepared to intervene if necessary to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles throughout the holiday weekend.
Road Safety Warning Issued for Holiday Period
The holiday period is traditionally associated with increased road traffic and a higher risk of serious accidents. Road safety officials urged drivers to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions such as mobile phone use, ensure seat belts and protective helmets are worn, and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol.
