Cruise ship arrivals at Greek ports rise by 11.7% in 2025

Ports that have long served as key hubs for the international cruise market include Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Heraklion, and Rhodes.
A significant increase in cruise ship arrivals at Greek ports was recorded in 2025, according to data released by the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME), once again confirming Greece’s strong position as one of the Mediterranean’s leading cruise destinations.
Specifically, ELIME data show that a total of 6,129 cruise ship arrivals were recorded at Greek ports in 2025, compared to 5,490 arrivals in 2024—an increase of 11.7%. In terms of passenger traffic, numbers reached 8,415,713 in 2025, up from 7,927,709 in 2024, marking a 6.2% rise. According to the Hellenic Ports Association, “this development reflects the continued preference of international cruise companies and passengers for Greek destinations, which combine a strong tourism identity, rich cultural heritage, and attractive maritime experiences.”
The same data highlight that ports such as Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Heraklion, and Rhodes remain consistently important hubs for the global cruise market. However, increased traffic was also recorded at other Greek ports, indicating a broader distribution of tourism activity and a corresponding boost to local economies.
As ELIME notes, “cruise tourism is one of the most dynamic sectors of maritime tourism, contributing significantly to the strengthening of local and regional economies, the creation of jobs, and the promotion of Greece as an international tourist destination. The continued growth in traffic underscores the importance of ongoing upgrades to port infrastructure and services, as well as close cooperation between ports, local authorities, and stakeholders in the tourism industry.”
As for the upcoming tourism season, booking trends appear mixed for Greek ports, with ELIME data indicating a shift of cruise activity toward western Mediterranean destinations.