Ferries bound for the Cyclades departed fully packed today, as thousands of travelers kick off their summer holidays in July. Despite persistently high ferry ticket prices, most Greeks show no signs of abandoning their summer escape plans — instead, they’re finding creative ways to cut costs along the way. “We just want to rest and have fun,” said travelers heading to the islands, capturing the mood at busy departure ports.
For those watching their budgets, the Saronic Islands offer a more affordable alternative, while beaches along the Attica coastline are also seeing surging crowds — filling up early in the morning. Many beachgoers are opting for free public beaches, as the cost of organized beach facilities has risen sharply. Meanwhile, due to the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze, a growing number of travelers are planning shorter breaks of just five to seven days, adjusting their itineraries based on destination and available budget.
