Gale-force winds in the Aegean Sea Friday are playing havoc with ferry schedules on one of the busiest days for island shipping at the height of the summer holiday season, while posing a major risk for wildfires around the country, including the Greater Athens region.
Gusts are forecast to exceed 110 kilometers an hour in some parts of the Aegean, and the high winds will only slacken on Sunday.
All ferry sailings have been suspended from the ports of Rafina and Lavrio near Athens, while the country’s main port of Piraeus is also facing disruptions with at least two planned departures for the Cyclades being cancelled. They had been to travel to Paros, Naxos, Koufonissi, Syros, Tinos and Mykonos.
Holidaymakers planning to sail for Aegean destinations have been advised to keep in contact with port authorities or travel agencies before setting off. Authorities were expected to review the situation later Friday.
Only smaller vessels serving islands in the Saronic Gulf and the Gulf of Argos were departing from Piraeus without hindrance Friday morning. Ships serving more distant destinations that were allowed to sail might not be stopping at certain island ports due to difficult local weather conditions.
