Published on
February 26, 2026
Image generated with Ai
Greece is expected to face severe transport problems on Saturday, February 28, as a nationwide 24-hour strike is expected to bring ferry, train, and possibly metro services to a grinding halt. The strike comes as the third anniversary of the tragic Tempi train disaster in 2023. Although the impact of the strike will be felt by all travelers, it also draws attention to the need for improved infrastructure that will promote sustainable tourism development in Greece.
Ferry Services Suspended Nationwide
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced that ferry services will be suspended across Greece for the duration of the 24-hour strike. This will halt passenger and commercial routes to and from the Greek islands—a vital connection for the tourism industry. The strike will begin at 00:01 on February 28 and end at midnight, which means popular destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete will not be accessible by sea for the day.
This disruption underscores a significant challenge for Greece’s tourism growth. The country’s islands, which are major draws for international tourists, rely heavily on reliable ferry services. The halt in ferry services for an entire day may disrupt both tourist arrivals and local economic activities. These transport bottlenecks highlight the importance of modernizing infrastructure to meet the growing demand from tourism and improve the overall visitor experience.
Rail Services Fully Disrupted
Rail services will also be completely suspended across the national network, with Hellenic Train confirming that no routes will operate on February 28 due to the strike. Railway workers are participating to commemorate the Tempi disaster and demand improvements to rail safety systems, staffing levels, and infrastructure upgrades.
For the tourism industry, rail disruptions have a direct impact on both domestic and international visitors who rely on trains for travel convenience across the country. While Greece is a prime destination for cultural tourism, especially in cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion, these disruptions also affect the tourism flow, particularly for travelers who prefer rail travel for its efficiency and scenic routes. The strike underlines the need for continued investment in sustainable and modern transport solutions to ensure the seamless movement of tourists and local travelers.
Potential Metro and Urban Transport Disruptions in Athens
In Athens, the status of metro and other urban transport services is still uncertain, with decisions pending regarding their participation in the strike. If metro services are disrupted, it will add to the challenges already posed by rail and ferry stoppages. Athens is one of Greece’s major tourism hubs, attracting millions of tourists annually with its ancient landmarks such as the Acropolis and Parthenon. Public transport in the capital is a crucial aspect of tourism infrastructure, helping visitors navigate the city’s many attractions. If urban transit services are affected, it may deter tourists, particularly those with limited mobility or those traveling on tight schedules.
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Protests and Rallies: Impact on Road Traffic
In addition to transport strikes, rallies will take place in central Athens and other major cities at noon on February 28. These protests are part of the nationwide strike, and they may cause further disruptions to road traffic. As Greece continues to see an increase in both domestic and international tourists, these types of disturbances pose significant risks to the tourism experience—especially for those traveling to and from airports, hotels, and major tourist sites.
Tourists are advised to stay updated on the status of protests and traffic disruptions, and to plan their itinerary accordingly. These challenges highlight the need for improved management and coordination between different sectors of the tourism infrastructure to ensure smoother travel for visitors.
The Need for Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Tourism Growth
The upcoming transport disruptions underscore a key issue: Greece’s tourism growth is closely tied to the reliability of its transport networks. With tourism becoming one of the most important sectors in the Greek economy, particularly after the global pandemic, the country must prioritize investment in modern transport infrastructure to handle the increasing visitor numbers. Rail, ferry, and urban transport services are essential to supporting the tourism experience, and their modernization can play a vital role in attracting more tourists to Greece in the long term.
The disruption caused by the strike also calls for better crisis management strategies within the tourism sector to ensure that such events do not hinder travelers’ experiences or the country’s tourism revenues.
Advice for Travelers
Travelers planning to visit Greece on February 28 are advised to check official transport updates before heading to their destination. Given the scale of the nationwide strike, rail and ferry services are likely to be halted, and potential disruptions to urban transport may affect city tours and airport transfers. Road traffic may also be heavily impacted by the scheduled protests. Staying informed about the status of services can help travelers avoid unnecessary delays and frustration.
Addressing Transport Challenges for Future Tourism Growth
The 24-hour strike that took place on February 28 is a significant issue that affects the transport system in Greece, and it needs to be resolved to ensure the continued development of the tourism industry in the country. The tourism industry is a critical sector in the economy of Greece, and the transport issues that are being experienced in the country demonstrate the need for investment in the transport infrastructure to serve the needs of tourists and the local population.
