The ports of Attica recorded a significant increase in passenger traffic during the first ten days of July 2025, with passengers choosing ferries over flights due to lower costs. After a declining first half with a 7% decrease in passenger traffic from Piraeus to the Aegean islands, July began with positive signs and an 11.96% increase across all Attica ports.
Passenger traffic at the three main ports of Attica
From July 1-10, 2025, a total of 325,768 passengers traveled through the three ports (Piraeus, Lavrio, Rafina), compared to 290,944 during the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, as reported by the newspaper “Ta Nea”. Passenger traffic from Piraeus port to the Aegean increased by 10.91%, while car traffic rose by 4.64%.
In the Argosaronic Gulf, the increase in passenger traffic is even greater, reaching 19.6%, with cars increasing by 18.96%. Meanwhile, ferry routes increased by 12.41%, enhancing island connectivity.
A 14.66% increase was recorded for passengers who chose Lavrio port, while there were more ferry routes (+8.14%) compared to last year. At Rafina port, with almost the same number of routes, passenger traffic increased by 4.83% and cars by 8.89%.
Ferry versus flight: the competitiveness of coastal shipping
The second notable factor is the enhanced competitiveness of ferries over flights. The significantly lower cost of a tourist package for families choosing ferries makes coastal shipping particularly attractive, especially in a year with high living costs.
According to industry sources, a travel package for four people and a car from Piraeus to Greek islands (excluding Mykonos and Santorini) is 40% cheaper by ferry compared to the equivalent flight package, including car rental at the destination.
Stable fares and challenges for ports
This year’s fare stability is due to both falling fuel prices and a 50% reduction in port fees, making ferry vacation packages even more competitive. However, the recent upward trend in international oil prices brings renewed concerns to the industry.
Companies are closely monitoring their operational costs, while the reduction of port fees from the Heraklion Port Authority (OLH), controlled by the Grimaldi Group, remains pending. The agreement with the government for “green” projects to be funded at the port remains unresolved.
While it’s still early for safe conclusions about the final summer season results, the reversal of the declining trend in port passenger traffic represents one of the key characteristics shaping the coastal shipping activity landscape.
