Massive summer exodus from Athens ports: Over 110,000 passengers depart

Athens' ports are experiencing a massive exodus as holidaymakers embark on their summer vacations, with over 110,000 passengers departing the Attica region over a single three-day period. The travel rush reached its peak on Friday, July 24, when 50,917 travelers, along with thousands of vehicles, set sail for the islands of the Aegean and the Saronic Gulf.

The port of Piraeus was the busiest hub, facilitating 22 departures that carried 24,545 passengers, 4,054 private cars, 706 trucks, and 720 motorcycles. The Saronic Gulf routes also saw substantial traffic, with 60 ferry services transporting 10,079 people, 1,161 cars, 50 trucks, and 466 motorcycles.

Other major ports in Attica also reported exceptionally high numbers. Rafina saw 12,019 passengers depart on 19 scheduled routes, carrying 2,571 cars, 101 trucks, and 301 motorcycles. Lavrio handled 4,274 passengers, 1,127 cars, 40 trucks, and 99 motorcycles across 12 departures.

Authorities anticipate continued high volumes over the weekend, with an estimated 62,000 more departures expected on Saturday and Sunday. While the flow is projected to ease slightly by Sunday, ferry services remain fully prepared to manage the influx of travelers, ensuring their safety and facilitating smooth departures from all three major ports.