Cyprus-Greece Ferry to Restart Service in May

A popular ferry link between Greece and Cyprus is set to pick up service again on May 29th after a long hiatus with funding coming from Cyprus to keep the transport project alive.

The Cyprus-Greece ferry link was eminently popular when it started up in 2022, and in 2023, it carried 7,407 passengers and 2,518 vehicles despite its 30-hour journey. A first-class single cabin ticket is priced at 73 euros ($79) per person one-way with return tickets coming in at 146 euros ($158). Double cabins are priced at 68 euros ($74) for a single journey and 136 euros ($148) roundtrip.

First-class four-berth cabin tickets are 63 euros ($68) one way and 126 euros ($137) for a roundtrip. Second-class prices are 50 euros ($54) one way and 96 euros ($104) for a return. Airline-style seats are 38 euros ($41) and 76 euros ($82) for those who don’t want a cabin for the overnight voyage.

Officials have said the voyage was particularly popular with students who wanted to transport a greater amount of belongings, as well as with those who aren’t keen on flying or simply want the luxury of a longer trip.

Success of the Cyprus-Greece ferry last year

Last year, the Cyprus-Greece ferry began its second season in May, lifting anchor at Limassol port and sailing to Piraeus with 156 passengers. Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hatzimanoli and Mayor of Limassol Nikos Nicolaides were on board the passenger ferry Daleela to celebrate the occasion, along with contracting company Scandro Holdings executives and other partners.

Hatzimanoli told attendees that the ferry was high on the ministry’s priorities and expressed confidence in the success of the second season, which had already hit the seven thousand reservations mark by this point. For his part, Nikolaides had hoped the operation’s success would surpass that of 2022 and recalled his experience as a passenger on the ferry’s maiden voyage two years ago.

The ferry includes a restaurant, cafeteria, and clinic in addition to 38 first-class cabins (110 passengers), 68 second-class cabins, and 110 outdoor seats. It can also accommodate up to a hundred vehicles.

The link was reintroduced last year after obtaining special permission from the European Union, allowing the state to subsidize the otherwise non-viable route. The government offered a €5.5 million annual subsidy to secure interest by shipowners to operate the regular ferry link between Limassol and Piraeus.

In addition to the port of Limassol, Scandro Holding Ltd included the Larnaca port in last year’s itinerary in response to travelers’ requests. In comments to the Cyprus News Agency, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said port operators Kition Ocean agreed with the ferry operators, Scandro Holding, to include Larnaca.

The ultimate purpose of Scandro Holding Ltd is to connect Greece and Cyprus by sea.