Greek Ferry Operators Offering Discounts for Island Travel

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Coastal shipping companies operating ferries to the Greek islands from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, Thessaloniki and Kavala announced discounts to fares after the government urged operators to reduce ticket prices.

In a meeting with ferry operators this week, the government requested immediate reductions by at least 20 percent as part of the “national effort to support the average Greek family”.

Ferry tickets to the Greek islands have increased at least three times over the last two years by as much as 40 percent with operators attributing the hikes to soaring fuel costs.

Among others, Attica Group announced a discount of up to 20 percent on Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways routes for three to five tickets including car to and from Piraeus. The company also increased its discounts from 25 to 50 percent applicable to Tourism for All voucher holders.

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Seajets initially slashed prices by 19 percent in May. The company now announced a 30 percent discount to four-member families plus car for round trips, a 20 percent discount to permanent Aegean island residents and a 40 percent discount for islanders on the Dodecanese on its Sitia-Dodecanese route. Families with three children are eligible for a 30 percent discount on round trip tickets and a 50 percent markdown for families with more than three children.

Golden Star Ferries announced a 20 percent discount for the July 17-10 September period and on Tuesdays for individual tickets and vehicles. The ferry operator is already offering reduced prices to people with disabilities, families with three children or more, students, sailors and retired seafarers and to group travel bookings on its high-speed Superexpress ferry.