More than half a million passengers traveled to Thassos from Kavala and Keramoti ports in one month
According to official data released by the Kavala Central Port Authority, ferry services in the region continue to play a key role in supporting tourism and the local economy. The July figures highlighted the importance of maritime connections in facilitating both domestic and international travel.
The busiest route was once again the Keramoti–Limenas (Thassos) ferry line. A total of 518,434 passengers used the route in July, compared with 505,990 passengers during the same period last year.
Vehicle transportation also recorded significant growth. The Keramoti–Limenas route carried 131,488 vehicles and 16,882 trucks during the month, reflecting the strong demand from road-based tourists and the island’s important logistical role.
Passenger numbers also increased on the Kavala–Prinos route, with 39,896 passengers traveling in July, compared with 39,302 during the same month in 2025. Truck transportation on the route also showed notable growth.
Meanwhile, ferry services from Kavala’s “Apostolos Pavlos” passenger port to the northeastern Aegean islands maintained positive momentum. The routes carried 50,621 passengers, 12,924 vehicles, and 875 trucks during July.
Kavala continues to serve as a major gateway connecting northern Greece with destinations including Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Agios Efstratios, Ikaria, and Patmos, providing an important link for both tourists and local residents.
Thassos seeks new tourism markets
Paris Paraschoudis, Vice President of the Thassos Hoteliers Association, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) that despite rising passenger numbers, tourism performance should be evaluated carefully due to changing market conditions.
Paraschoudis noted that destinations such as Thassos and Halkidiki have a tourism model largely based on road travel rather than air connections, making them particularly sensitive to economic pressures and shifts in visitor patterns.
He said efforts are underway to strengthen Thassos’ position in international markets, including initiatives to attract new flights from the United Kingdom to Kavala’s “Megas Alexandros” Airport and restore stronger connections with northern European markets.
According to Paraschoudis, the number of Romanian visitors, traditionally one of Thassos’ largest tourism markets, has declined this year. However, this gap has been partly filled by Serbian tourists, while Bulgarian visitors have established a permanent presence on the island, with some purchasing property and maintaining long-term connections.
He also highlighted Türkiye as a growing tourism market for Thassos, although border crossings and travel times remain challenges for potential visitors.
As August traditionally remains one of the busiest months for tourism, Paraschoudis emphasized that passenger numbers alone cannot fully determine the overall performance of the tourism sector.
The latest figures from the Kavala Port Authority underline the continued importance of maritime transport links for tourism in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, while Thassos remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the northern Aegean.
