On Saturday, May 31, the passenger ferry Daleela will depart from Limassol Port, marking the start of the 2025 season for the Cyprus-Greece maritime passenger connection, with a total of 22 round trips to and from Piraeus.

At a press conference held at the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis and the operating company Scandro Holding Ltd provided details on the resumption of the ferry route for 2025. This follows the Council of Ministers’ decision on August 23, 2024, to extend the service contract for another three years (2025–2027).

The Deputy Minister described the reactivation of the Cyprus–Greece ferry connection as one of the Ministry’s most important initiatives, aimed at providing a reliable and sustainable alternative to air travel for citizens.

“This service offers essential support to individuals who face difficulties traveling by air—whether due to medical reasons, age, or fear of flying,” she stated, noting that the annual state subsidy for the route, granted under the General Economic Interest (SGEI) framework, amounts to €5.5 million.

She emphasized that the ferry service has already proven its value—not only by facilitating passenger transport but also by creating a new segment in Cyprus' domestic tourism market.

In recent years, there has been growing demand from travelers wishing to journey to and from Cyprus with their private vehicles and motorcycles, offering a practical alternative to air transport.

During its first three years of operation, according to Hadjimanolis, the ferry service transported 22,582 passengers, 772 pets, and 7,641 accompanied vehicles.

While the long-term sustainability outlook for the route is positive, the Deputy Minister expressed hope that once the subsidized period ends, interest from the shipping industry will ensure the continuation of the Cyprus-Greece ferry service—and possibly expand maritime links to other neighboring countries in the near future.

Scandro Holding Ltd CEO Charalambos Manoli confirmed that the Daleela will carry out 22 crossings, beginning on Saturday, May 31, from Limassol and concluding the season on September 2, departing from Piraeus.

The full sailing schedule will be posted on the company’s website later in the day, he added, while ticket bookings will open on April 4. He also mentioned that fares will remain unchanged from last year, except for a minor increase of approximately €1 in port fees.

Manoli thanked the Deputy Ministry of Shipping for renewing the contract, noting that “this confirms the public has embraced the service.”

“We hope to have another good year like the previous ones. Each year we improve—both as a company and in terms of the vessel—and from what I’ve been told, some upgrades to the ferry are planned this year,” he concluded.