Coastal shipping traffic remains strong despite rising costs
Coastal passenger traffic in Greece is holding steady this summer, with early data indicating a resilient season despite rising operational costs and evolving travel patterns among tourists.
According to official figures, June recorded 2,880,607 passengers traveling via coastal routes, a slight increase of 0.45% compared to the same month in 2024, which saw 2,867,863 passengers. The modest rise signals a stabilizing trend in coastal tourism.
July has begun on an even stronger note. Preliminary data from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy show a 6.7% increase in passenger traffic during the first three weeks of the month, compared to the same period last year.
From July 1 to 19 alone, more than 650,000 passengers departed from Attica’s three main ports en route to the Aegean islands—a strong indicator that this year's summer season is set to match, if not exceed, 2024’s performance.
The figures highlight the enduring importance of coastal shipping to both Greece’s tourism industry and the economic vitality of its island communities, even amid ongoing financial and logistical pressures.
