Severe Weather Halts Greek Ferries, Cold Snap and Snowfall Forecast

Widespread Ferry Disruptions Across Greece

Severe weather conditions, characterized by gale-force winds reaching 8 to 9 on the Beaufort scale, caused significant disruptions to ferry services across Greece from Thursday, January 8, 2026, through Saturday, January 10, 2026. Thousands of travelers were left stranded at major ports, including Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio, as authorities and ferry operators suspended numerous routes due to safety concerns.

On January 8, the Hellenic Coast Guard imposed sailing bans from Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. From Piraeus, only ferries destined for the Dodecanese islands were initially permitted to sail, while all other routes to island destinations were temporarily suspended. Services to the Saronic Gulf islands were also halted. Other affected routes included:

• Faneromeni–Megara (Salamina)
• Nea Styra–Agia Marina
• Keramoti–Thassos
• Corfu–Igoumenitsa
• Rio–Antirrio
• Kyllini–Zakynthos

By January 9, some ferry services began to resume as wind conditions gradually improved, though hydrofoil services to the Argosaronic Gulf remained suspended. However, on January 10, some ferry companies independently canceled scheduled routes from Piraeus due to adverse weather, despite the absence of a general sailing ban.

Stranded Passengers and Rerouted Vessels

The disruptions led to considerable inconvenience for passengers. On January 10, two ferries, the Knossos Palace and the Festos Palace, carrying a combined total of 1,641 passengers, were unable to dock at the port of Milos due to strong winds. Both vessels were subsequently rerouted directly to Crete, leaving passengers awaiting further arrangements. Authorities consistently advised travelers to contact local port authorities and travel agencies for the latest updates on schedules and potential cancellations.

Impending Cold Snap and Snowfall

Beyond the immediate ferry disruptions, Greece is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures and widespread snowfall. Forecasts indicate a temperature plunge of up to 10 to 12 degrees Celsius starting from Sunday, January 11, 2026. Meteorologists predict biting cold and snowfall, even at low elevations, with some experts suggesting snow could reach Attica and potentially Crete.

Snowfall is expected in mountainous regions and, from Sunday evening, in lower-elevation areas of northeastern Greece. Temperatures in northern Greece could plummet to between -10 and -12°C by Tuesday, January 13. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) and other meteorological sources have issued warnings, advising the public to prepare for these wintry conditions.