Talks Underway for New Evia-Sporades Islands Ferry Link

A ferry boat to Skyros.

A new ferry connection between Northern Evia and the Sporades islands to the northeast, topped the agenda of a working meeting this week at the Greek shipping ministry.

Headed by Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis, the meeting explored the launch of a coastal ferry route between Evia and the Sporades islands, which include such isles as Alonissos, Skiathos, and Skopelos, to be funded by Greece’s Public Investment Program.

The connection is expected to contribute to stronger tourist flows to Northern Evia, which was devastated by massive fires in the summer of 2021, and further support the region. Earlier this week, the masterplan for the regeneration of Northern Evia, was presented to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paving the way for the start of works on the island.

Skiathos island. Photo source: ec.europa.eu.

“The ferry line to be subsidized by the Public Investment Program will connect Northern Evia with the Sporades and Skiathos airport; a positive development for Northern Evia, creating prospects that will strengthen tourism activity after the great fire of the summer of 2021,” said Christos Triantopoulos, deputy minister to the prime minister for state aid and natural disaster recovery.

He went on to add that the ferry link also responds to a request made by Sporades authorities for ferry connectivity between the islands during the summer season.

“Overall, this development can create significant advantages for the two regions, opening up new channels of tourist traffic, creating new possibilities to increase tourist activity and contributing to the further support of Northern Evia,” said Triantopoulos.