Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Strong winds grounded ferry services across much of Greece on Friday, leaving thousands of travelers stuck at major ports, including the busy Piraeus hub.
Meteorologists warned of gusts reaching up to 55 mph (88 kph), prompting the Coast Guard to impose a sailing ban on departures from Piraeus, Lavrio, Rafina, and the Agia Marina–Nea Styra line to Evia. Only ferries heading to the Saronic Gulf islands and the Dodecanese were allowed to sail.
State broadcaster ERT reported that passengers booked on the 6:45 a.m. ferry to the Cyclades were told their trip would be delayed until at least 1 p.m., while other Aegean routes also faced disruptions. Services in Rafina and Lavrio were similarly affected, with cancellations continuing from Thursday morning due to the same gale-force conditions.
Authorities urged travelers to check with local port offices and travel agencies before setting out, warning that schedules could change at short notice.
The extreme weather comes as part of a wider storm system sweeping across Greece, bringing rough seas and challenging conditions for maritime travel. Passengers were advised to stay updated and plan accordingly to avoid long waits at the ports.
