As Easter approaches, ferry tickets to Greece’s beloved islands are nearly sold out, with travel agents reporting unprecedented demand for Holy Wednesday and Holy Thursday departures.
Popular destinations like Paros, Chios, Tinos, Syros, Symi, Corfu, and Skyros are seeing 100% occupancy on many routes, leaving late planners scrambling.
The iconic Paros, home to the revered Panagia Ekatontapiliani, remains a top Easter destination. However, securing a spot comes at a steep cost. A couple travelling by high-speed ferry with a car faces €441.60 for return tickets, while a family of four heading to Symi could pay €913.50, including vehicle fees. Even budget-friendly options, like Skyros, cost a family €169 for a round trip with minimal road expenses.
Cabins for longer routes to Crete and the Dodecanese are nearly impossible to find, and vehicle spaces on ship garages are fully booked. “It’s a frenzy,” said one agent. “Tickets are vanishing, and prices are dizzying for many Greeks planning their Easter getaway.”
Here’s a breakdown of sample costs for Easter travel:
- Paros (Couple, high-speed ferry): €251.60 (tickets) + €190 (car) = €441.60
- Chios (Family of 4, conventional ferry): €432 (tickets) + €212 (car) = €644
- Tinos (Family with 2 kids under 10, conventional ferry): €300 (tickets) + €220 (car) = €520
- Syros (Couple, conventional ferry): €186 (tickets) + €209.40 (car) = €395.40
- Symi (Family of 4, conventional ferry): €640 (tickets) + €273.50 (car) = €913.50
- Corfu (Family of 4, 5-hour drive + ferry): €216 (tolls/fuel) + €105 (tickets/car) = €321
- Skyros (Family of 4, drive + ferry): €47.40 (tolls/fuel) + €121.60 (tickets/car) = €169
With prices rising—Syros tickets are up €1 per person from 2024—and availability dwindling, travellers are urged to book immediately or consider alternative plans to celebrate Easter on the mainland.
(Source: To Vima)
