Cyprus-Greece ferry connection for 2025 starts end of May

Οn Saturday 31 May, the Daleela will launch the Cyprus-Greece ferry connection for this year, running between the ports of Limassol and Piraeus until 2 September, for a total of 22 routes.

Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanoli, and contractor Scandro Holding Ltd, announced the resumption of the routes in 2025, following the decision of the Council of Ministers last August to green light the extension of the contract for three more years (2025-2027). During the three years of operation of the line, a total of 22,582 passengers and 772 pets traveled, while 7,641 accompanied vehicles were transported, the Deputy Minister said.

According to Hadjimanolis, relaunching the Cyprus-Greece ferry connection was one of the most important initiatives of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, with the aim of serving the needs of members of the public who were looking for a reliable alternative to air travel.

“This service offers substantial support to people who face difficulties in traveling by air, either for medical reasons, or due to age or fear of flying,” she said and reminded that total state subsidy for this as a Service of General Economic Interest (SGEI), was €5.5 million annually.

The maritime passenger connection, she added, has already proven its value, not only by facilitating the passengers, but also by creating a new niche in the domestic tourism market of Cyprus, noting that, in recent years, there has been increased demand from people wishing to travel to and from Cyprus with their vehicles and motorcycles, providing a new alternative transportation option.

Referring to positive forecasts for the long-term viability of the line, Hadjimanolis expressed hope that after the end of the subsidised service, there will be interest from the shipping industry so that the maritime connectivity between Cyprus and Greece can continue but also that this line would lead to new maritime connections with other neighbouring countries in the near future.

CEO of Scandro Holding Ltd, Charalambos Manolis, said that the Daleela would make 22 trips, starting from Saturday, March 31, from the port of Limassol while the last of the season will be on September 2, from Piraeus.

He said the trips schedule would be available on the company’s website within the day, while reservations would begin on April 4, adding that the fare prices would be the same as last year’s, apart from a small increase of approximately one euro in port fees.