List of ports in Greece for Ferry and Shipping

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The Old Venetian Port of Chania Greece
Credit: pexels.com, The Old Venetian Port of Chania Greece

Greece has a vast network of ports that facilitate ferry and shipping operations, connecting the mainland to the many islands and vice versa.

The port of Piraeus, located near Athens, is one of the busiest ports in Greece, handling a significant portion of the country's cargo and passenger traffic.

Many ports in Greece, such as those in Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu, serve as important hubs for ferry services, offering connections to nearby islands and the mainland.

The port of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest port, is a significant shipping hub, handling cargo and passenger traffic for the north of the country.

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Greece's Major Ports

Patras Port, located in western Greece, is one of the country's important ports, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It handles around 250,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually and has a water depth ranging from 9 to 12 meters, suitable for medium-sized vessels.

Shipping costs from Patras to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days. Trade from Patras to Vietnam primarily consists of light industrial products and processed foods.

Piraeus is counted among the 50 top ports in the world and is the largest port in Greece, handling approximately 25,100 ships and 11,706,200 tonnes of cargo annually.

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Piraeus

The Old Venetian Port of Chania Greece
Credit: pexels.com, The Old Venetian Port of Chania Greece

Piraeus is one of Greece's major ports, and it's a real gem. Located on the Saronikos Gulf, it's the second-largest port in the Mediterranean region.

Piraeus is a busy hub, handling millions of people and cargo every year. Approximately 25,100 ships and 11,706,200 tonnes of cargo, including 513,400 TEU, pass through the port annually.

The port has three terminals, A, B, and C, each with its own unique features. Terminal A Miaoulis is the main terminal and is closest to the city center, making it a convenient option for passengers.

Terminal B Themistocles has two berths and handles cruise ships whose journey begins in Athens. Terminal C Alkimos was recently renovated and has 20 check-in counters to handle 700 passengers in an hour.

Piraeus Port serves as a gateway to the islands of the Aegean, including the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Saronic, the North Aegean islands, and Crete. Ferries from Piraeus offer connections to these destinations.

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Stunning aerial view of Pelion's coastline in Greece with lush forests and blue sea.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning aerial view of Pelion's coastline in Greece with lush forests and blue sea.

Here are some of the routes from Piraeus Port:

  • Crete: Heraklion, Chania, Lassithi
  • Peloponnese: Kyhtira, Antikythira, Porto Heli, Ermioni, Methana
  • North Aegean: Chios, Lesvos (Mytilene), Psara, Ikaria, Fourni, Samos
  • Saronic: Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, Spetses
  • Dodecanese: Astypalea, Halki, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhosdes, Symi, Tilos
  • Cyclades: Amorgos, Anafi, Donoussa, Folegandros, Ios, Iraklia, Kimolos, Koufonisia, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Schinoussa, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Santorini (Thira), Thirassia, Tinos

There are various ferry companies operating from Piraeus Port, including Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Minoan Lines, Hellenic Seaways, ANEK Superfast, Saronic Ferries, Fast Ferries, Zante Ferries, Alphalines, Aegean Sea Lines, and San Lorenzo Ferries.

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Rafina

Rafina is a port city located close to Athens Airport and the city center, making it easily accessible by taxi, car, or public bus. The journey from the city center takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by taxi or bus.

You can reach Rafina port from Athens Airport in about 20 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by bus. Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall, while the public bus network (KTEL) runs between the airport and the port nine times per day.

Getting to Rafina port is relatively affordable, with a single ticket on the public bus costing 3 euros. By car, you can reach the port from the airport in about 30 minutes via Al. Fleming Street > Marathonos Avenue (EO54).

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Picturesque harbor with boats and traditional buildings on a Greek island under blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Picturesque harbor with boats and traditional buildings on a Greek island under blue sky.

Ferries from Rafina sail to various islands in the Cyclades, including Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Santorini. You can check all schedules on the ferry booking engine.

The port has a range of facilities, including a KTEL bus terminal and a police station. The nearest beaches are Marikes, Kokkino Limanaki, and Rafina Beach, which is popular for watersports like kitesurfing.

If you have some spare time, you can explore the area around the port, visit the local fish taverns and restaurants, or stroll through Karamanli Park. The church of Agios Nikolaos is also worth a visit, offering amazing sea views just 5 minutes away from the port.

The Askitario prehistoric settlement is the most important ancient monument in Rafina, and is worth a visit for history buffs. If you have a car, you can also visit the temple of Artemis at Artemida Beach, the Archaeological Site of Brauron, and other beaches along the coastline, all within 30 minutes of the port.

Northern Greece Ports

Serene view of sailboats moored at Thessaloniki harbor with clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Serene view of sailboats moored at Thessaloniki harbor with clear blue sky.

Northern Greece Ports are a vital part of Greece's maritime industry, with three major ports playing a crucial role in the region's economy.

Thessaloniki Port, located in northern Greece, began operations in the late 19th century and handles approximately 450,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually. The port has a water depth ranging from 12 to 16 meters, enabling it to accommodate large container ships.

Thessaloniki is strategically positioned near the borders of North Macedonia and Bulgaria, making it a key player in transporting goods within the Balkan region. Shipping costs from Thessaloniki to Vietnam are similar to those from Piraeus, and the shipping time from Thessaloniki to Vietnam is typically 30-35 days.

Here's a brief overview of the main cargo handled by the ports in northern Greece:

  • Iron, tobacco, minerals, fertilizer, chemicals, oil and refined products, tin, rice, grains, cement
  • Metals, fertilisers, cement, petroleum products and agricultural products

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a major port in northern Greece, located near the borders of North Macedonia and Bulgaria. It began operations in the late 19th century, around 1904.

Explore the iconic seaside architecture of Mykonos, Greece with its vibrant blue and white houses perched by the Aegean Sea.
Credit: pexels.com, Explore the iconic seaside architecture of Mykonos, Greece with its vibrant blue and white houses perched by the Aegean Sea.

Thessaloniki Port handles approximately 450,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually. The port has a spacious and modern area, playing a key role in transporting goods within the Balkan region.

Located just 1 km from the city of Thessaloniki, the port facilitates the transport of goods to major economic centers in northern Greece. Thessaloniki contributes significantly to both the local and national economy, estimated in the billions of euros annually.

Thessaloniki is a famous cruise destination, with ferry connections to the islands of the Cyclades, the Sporades, and Izmir. The city's port is a key transit point for Central and Southeastern Europe.

Shipping costs from Thessaloniki to Vietnam are similar to those from Piraeus. The shipping time from Thessaloniki to Vietnam is typically 30-35 days.

The container handling area lies in the western part of Pier 6, accommodating small and medium-sized ships with a maximum draught of 12 m. The terminal has a maximum capacity of 550,000 TEUs.

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Kavala

Majestic stone arches of the Kavala aqueduct against a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Majestic stone arches of the Kavala aqueduct against a clear blue sky.

Kavala is a strategic seaport located in northeastern Greece, in operation since the late 19th century. It serves as an important port for trade between Greece and the Balkan region.

The port handles around 100,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually, with a water depth suitable for small and medium-sized vessels. This makes it convenient for transporting goods.

Kavala contributes millions of euros annually to the local economy. Trade from Kavala to Vietnam mainly involves agricultural products and light industrial goods.

Shipping costs from Kavala to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container. The average shipping time is 30-35 days.

You can reach Kavala by ferry from the Eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese islands, or by flying into its international airport connected to the airport of Athens.

Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis is a significant port city in Northern Greece, strategically located on the Aegean Sea.

It's situated in the Evros regional unit, near the border with Turkey, and has a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire.

Serene sunrise view over Alexandroupoli beach with gentle waves under a pastel sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Serene sunrise view over Alexandroupoli beach with gentle waves under a pastel sky.

The port is an important hub for trade and commerce, with a cargo capacity of 15 million tons per year.

Alexandroupolis has a population of around 57,000 people, with a diverse economy driven by industries such as textiles, food processing, and energy production.

The city's port is also a key transit point for oil and natural gas imports, with two jetties capable of handling large vessels.

Alexandroupolis is connected to the rest of Greece by a highway and a railway line, making it an essential transportation hub in the region.

Volos

Volos is a major port in northern Greece, located at the head of the Gulf of Pagasitikos. It's a crucial connection between the mainland and the Sporades and Evoia islands.

The port is well-sheltered by a breakwater that runs from east to west, protecting ships at all the piers. This provides a safe haven for vessels to dock and unload their cargo.

Colorful balloons rising over Volos waterfront at night, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere near the sea.
Credit: pexels.com, Colorful balloons rising over Volos waterfront at night, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere near the sea.

Volos has an impressive 3000 meters of quays that can accommodate large vessels up to 35,000 DWT. The quays are also equipped to handle vessels of 200 meters in length and a draft of 9.8 meters.

Around 1300 vessels visit the port every year, making it a busy and important hub for trade and commerce.

Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa is a significant port in northwestern Greece, handling around 200,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually.

Located about 1 km from the city center, Igoumenitsa Port has modern facilities and plays a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers between Greece and Italy.

Shipping costs from Igoumenitsa to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.

Trade from Igoumenitsa to Vietnam mainly consists of industrial products and processed food, contributing millions of euros annually to Greece's economy.

Ferries from Igoumenitsa reach Corfu and Italy, with daily itineraries available.

You can reach Igoumenitsa by taking a suburban bus from Kifissos KTEL Station in Athens, which takes about 7 hours.

Agios Konstantinos

Credit: youtube.com, Agios Konstantinos Port, Greece

Agios Konstantinos is a port town in Northern Greece that offers ferry connections to the beautiful Sporades Islands, including Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos.

To get to Agios Konstantinos, you'll need to take a bus from Athens, and the journey takes about 2.5 hours.

The bus route from Athens to Agios Konstantinos makes a stop at Lamia, and then continues on to Agios Konstantinos.

Buses run every 2 hours, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

The bus stop for Agios Konstantinos is at the Liossion KTEL Station in Athens, where you can catch your bus to Lamia and then on to Agios Konstantinos.

For another approach, see: Greece Ferry Athens to Mykonos

Peloponnese and Ionian Islands Ports

The Peloponnese and Ionian Islands are home to several notable ports in Greece.

Piraeus Port, a major transit port, handles vessels sailing to the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Black Sea.

It's worth noting that Piraeus Port is also the largest passenger port in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

Credit: youtube.com, port of Corinth, Corinth, Peloponnese, West Greece and Ionian Sea Administration, Greece

The port handles approximately 25,100 ships and 11,706,200 tonnes of cargo annually, including 513,400 TEU and 20,336,500 passengers.

Here's a brief overview of the cruise terminals at Piraeus Port:

  • Terminal “A” Miaoulis is the main terminal and is closest to the city center
  • Terminal “B” Themistocles has two berths and handles cruise ships whose journey begins in Athens.
  • Terminal “C” Alkimos was recently renovated. It has 20 check-in counters to handle 700 passengers in an hour.

Patras

Patras is a port city in the Peloponnese region of Greece, and it's a major hub for ferry travel to the Ionian Islands and Italy. Ferries from Patra reach Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Italy, making it a convenient departure point for those heading to these destinations.

If you're planning to visit Patra from Athens, you have a few options for getting there. You can take the suburban railway or an intercity bus from Kifissos KTEL Station, and the trip typically lasts around 3 hours.

The ferry schedule from Patra is quite frequent, with daily itineraries available during the high season. This makes it easy to plan your trip and catch a ferry at a time that suits you.

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Milos Island

Milos Island is a charming Greek island with a large and deep bay that provides a safe anchorage from strong southerly winds.

A stunning view of the Milos coastline with islands and a ship in the clear blue sea under a bright sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A stunning view of the Milos coastline with islands and a ship in the clear blue sea under a bright sky.

The port of Milos Island is an important hub for trade and transportation, with cargo ships carrying volcanic mineral ores for export being a principal cargo.

Adamas and Voudhia Bay are the two main areas that make up the harbour, offering a convenient and sheltered spot for boats to dock.

Ferries and catamarans also frequent the port, connecting Milos Island to the Greek Mainland, Piraeus, and other nearby islands like Crete and Rhodes.

Agioi Theodoroi

The Port of Agioi Theodoroi is a major hub in the region, located in Elefsis Bay in Saronikos Gulf. It's situated west of Pachi and boasts a deep-water tanker terminal for crude oil and refinery products.

This port has modern facilities that can accommodate tankers with a massive 400,000 DWT capacity. The maximum draught allowed is 21.9 m.

The port handles a significant volume of cargo, with approximately 3,000 vessels passing through every year. This translates to around 15,000,000 tonnes of cargo annually.

Crete Ports

Credit: youtube.com, Chania Crete Cruise Port Guide (Greece) | Chania Old Town Highlights (4K)

Crete Ports are a vital part of Greece's economy, with two major ports located on the island: Rethymno Port and Heraklion Port. Both ports have been operational since ancient Greek times, with Rethymno Port dating back about 2,500 years and Heraklion Port operating for over 3,000 years.

Rethymno Port is smaller in size compared to other ports on the island, but it mainly serves local cargo and passenger transport. It handles around 100,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually, with a water depth suitable for small vessels.

Heraklion Port, on the other hand, is the main port on the island and handles around 350,000 TEUs of containerized cargo annually. Its water depth ranges from 10 to 14 meters, making it suitable for medium and small vessels.

Both ports contribute significantly to Crete's economy, with Rethymno contributing millions of euros annually and Heraklion contributing hundreds of millions of euros. Trade from both ports to Vietnam mainly involves agricultural products and processed food.

Shipping costs from both Rethymno and Heraklion to Vietnam range from $1,500 to $2,500 per container, with an average shipping time of 25-30 days.

Other Ports

Majestic rock cliffs over clear blue waters in Lakonia, Greece showcasing natural beauty.
Credit: pexels.com, Majestic rock cliffs over clear blue waters in Lakonia, Greece showcasing natural beauty.

Greece has a diverse range of ports, each with its own unique character and history. The port of Igoumenitsa, located in northwestern Greece, is a major entry point for visitors from Italy and other European countries.

Some of the smaller ports in Greece, such as the port of Kalamata, offer a more laid-back and authentic experience for travelers. Kalamata is a charming coastal town with a rich history and a beautiful beach.

The port of Chania, located on the island of Crete, is another important hub for maritime trade and tourism.

Additional reading: History of the Port of Tianjin

Lavrio

Lavrio Port is the third biggest port in the area of Attica, serving approximately 180,000 passengers per year.

Located 50 km away from the Greek capital, it's a great alternative for passengers traveling to the Cyclades among other islands of the Aegean.

Its proximity to the airport makes it quite popular, while it is closer to the Cyclades than the port of Piraeus.

Curious to learn more? Check out: List of Busiest Cruise Ports by Passengers

A colorful fishing boat moored in a picturesque Greek harbor under a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A colorful fishing boat moored in a picturesque Greek harbor under a clear blue sky.

Lavrio has a relaxing atmosphere, as it is much smaller and less congested compared to the busy Piraeus Port.

You can reach Lavrio by taxi, bus, or car, with various options available depending on your budget and preferences.

A ride from the center of Athens to Lavrio by taxi costs around 65 euros in the daytime and 80 euros at night, and the journey lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Alternatively, the public bus network (KTEL) runs from the center of Athens to Lavrio, with a journey that takes 2 hours and costs 5.30 euros one-way.

Taxis are also available at the airport, with a ride to Lavrio taking 30 minutes and costing around 50 euros in the daytime and 70 euros at night.

The KTEL bus network connects Athens airport and Lavrio indirectly, via Markopoulo, with a journey that takes 60 minutes and one-way tickets costing 4 euros.

Lavrio is close to the airport, making it a convenient option for travelers.

The old mines in the area, which were open until the early 20th century, bear great historical and cultural significance.

Chios

Peaceful harbor scene with moored boats in Naousa, Greece against a calm sea backdrop.
Credit: pexels.com, Peaceful harbor scene with moored boats in Naousa, Greece against a calm sea backdrop.

Chios is a significant port in the Aegean Sea, located on Chios Island. It has an outer anchorage and an artificial harbour for ferries and small cargo vessels.

The port can accommodate two ships of 20,000 tonnes each, making it a major hub for maritime trade. Chios Port also has a marina on its southern side.

The maximum depth of the port is 8.20 meters, allowing for large ships to dock safely. This depth is crucial for the port's operations, ensuring that ships can navigate and unload their cargo efficiently.

Ferries from Chios travel to mainland Greece and Turkey, connecting the island to other parts of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the famous port in Greece?

The Port of Piraeus is the chief sea port of Athens and the largest in Greece. Located on the Saronic Gulf, it's also one of the largest ports in Europe.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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