Over 8.4 million passengers visited Greek ports in 2025. Passenger ships docked at Greek ports 6,129 times, a 12% increase compared to the previous year. The industry continues to strengthen, according to data from the Association of Greek Ports (E.LIM.E.).

It is assumed that Greek ports will continue to perform well in passenger service in 2026. Will the regional crisis in the Middle East impact this year’s results? Initial acquisitions and plans from tour operators indicate that 2026 in Greece should not be worse than 2025.

The cruise industry in Greece continues its upward trend, as the country’s cruise volume increased for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. Data from the Association of Greek Ports (E.LIM.E.) indicates an increase in both the number of cruises and the number of passengers compared to 2024. E.LIM.E. is an organization that supports its members in coordinating and shaping common port policies. It ensures ports’ participation in regional development and supports management boards in contacts with competitive port service providers.

E.LIM.E. brings together 13 Greek port companies, port authorities, and 25 Port Funds (public law entities). According to the Association of Greek Ports, 6,129 cruise ships visited the ports of Greece last year, while in 2024, 5,490 cruise ships docked at passenger terminals.

This represents an 11.7% increase in passenger stays in Greek ports. Significantly over 8.4 million passengers arrived in Greece by ship. This represented a 6.2% increase in those who chose to visit Greek port cities by ship, as over 7.9 million passengers arrived by ship in 2024.

Piraeus at the forefront of cruise ports

Piraeus is the port that has become a permanent fixture in virtually all cruises offered to sea tourists. It remains the leading cruise port in Greece. As a result, in 2025, its passenger terminals received 863 ship calls, carrying 1.85 million passengers. In 2024, Piraeus dockworkers accepted berths from 810 passenger ships, carrying over 1.73 million passengers in 2024, according to E.L.I.M.E. statistics.

Mykonos and Santorini continue to be among the most anticipated Greek cities by passengers. They remain among the most interesting cruise destinations included in tour operators’ programs. Both ports recorded lower passenger numbers last year compared to the previous year. Mykonos handled 762 cruise ships carrying 1,222,748 passengers, compared to 768 calls and 1,293,051 passengers in 2024. Popular tourist destination Santorini recorded 728 cruise calls with 1,203,052 passengers, compared to 750 calls and 1,345,837 passengers the previous year.

The cities of Corfu, Rhodes, and Heraklion are also enjoying significant interest. Tour operators directed 467, 418, and 281 cruise ships to their ports, respectively. These are still same-day arrivals. E.L.I.M.E. data indicates that smaller ports have also experienced increased interest. Tour operators are trying to increase the attractiveness of cruises to Greece and “increase” interest in alternative destinations. The goal is to reduce traffic in cities with excessive tourist populations and utilize the potential of less popular ports. These measures aim to evenly distribute tourist activity throughout Greece.

Small Ports Rising to Growth
The promotional efforts of Greek tourism organizations are paying off. The number of ship calls at Katakolo increased from 217 in 2024 to 259 last year, and passenger traffic increased from over 400,000 to over 471,500. Chania (South Africa) saw an increase in calls from 131 to 190 cruises, and Lavrio from 102 to 128 passenger ships. Syros saw one of the largest increases, with ships docking 120 times (compared to only 70 calls in 2024). As a result, passenger traffic at Syros increased from over 11,000 to over 39,000.

Paros welcomed twice as many ships as in 2024. 107 ships docked at the port of Parikia (Paros Port), compared to 53 cruises the previous year. Neighboring Naxos more than tripled its passenger traffic to over 10,000 (from nearly 4,100). This was achieved thanks to 98 ships docking at the ports, compared to 30 passenger ships in 2024. Greek port authorities and tourism companies expect this interest in islands and regional ports to be a continuing trend. This approach is also growing among global operators, who are striving to diversify their routes and reduce tourist congestion in frequently visited ports.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Greece’s position on the cruise map has steadily strengthened. Greece is the undisputed leader and dominates the cruise market in the Eastern Mediterranean. Tour operators have been including the ports of Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Heraklion, and Rhodes among their main destinations for years.

E.LIM.E. emphasizes that the development of the industry contributes to the development of the local and regional economy. Maritime tourism has been around much longer in Greece than in the Baltic Sea and contributes, among other things, to job creation and the expansion of services related to the development of local tourism. The Association of Greek Ports emphasizes the need for further infrastructure development and improved services at ports. Local authorities and tourism organizations are involved in planning efforts.

In addition to positive data, the industry is also noting a shift in trend in the new year, with some activity shifting towards the Western Mediterranean for various reasons, including the geopolitical situation. Nevertheless, industry sources emphasize the potential for further growth and the need to strengthen the international competitiveness of Greek ports.