Connecting the Eastern Mediterranean: Ferry Routes and Travel Options to Egypt

Travelers planning a trip to Egypt from Greece or Turkey might wonder if there is a straightforward ferry route to the country. Despite the absence of direct ferry services, various travel options and routes are available. This article explores the current state of ferry connections and alternative travel methods to reach Egypt from these Mediterranean nations.

Current State of Ferry Routes to Egypt

As of August 2023, there are no direct ferries linking Greece or Turkey to Egypt. However, travelers can use a combination of ferry and land or air travel to reach their destination. Let's break down the current options:

From Greece

Ferries operate between various Greek islands and mainland ports, and also to Italy. Travelers can take a ferry to Italy and then fly to Egypt or continue their journey by ferry to a port that serves as a stopover to Egypt. Alternatively, they can travel to other destinations such as Rhodes and other Greek islands before flying to Egypt.

From Turkey

Turkey has ferries to various Mediterranean destinations like Rhodes and other Greek islands. Similar to the route from Greece, travelers typically need to fly to Egypt from these locations or consider land routes through neighboring countries.

Historic Ferry Routes

Once, ferry routes were a popular mode of transportation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Here are some of the notable routes and lines that used to exist:

Popular Ferry Lines in the 90s

There were ferry lines that connected Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. These services were especially beautiful during the summer months. One such route was the Egyptian ferry that operated in a loop, starting from Alexandria to Beirut, Latakia, Izmir, Piraeus, and onwards to Naples, sometimes Venice. Luxury cruise liner routes also used to connect these nations, but they have all been discontinued.

Modern Ferry Developments

Despite the discontinuation of older services, some ferry routes and new developments have emerged:

Ro-Ro Ships from Mersin to Egypt

Pre-pandemic, Ro-Ro (Roll-on/roll-off) ships sailed between Mersin, Turkey, and Egypt. These ships were primarily used for truck transportation but were occasionally used by regular passengers as well.

Historical Small Ferry Routes

Before the pandemic, there were small ferry connections between various Greek islands and the nearest Turkish harbors, such as Kas, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Cesme, and Ayvalik. These smaller ferry services are expected to resume during the 2022 tourist season.

New RoPax Ferry Line Initiatives

There are plans for new RoPax (roll-on/roll-off passenger) ferry lines. A RoPax ferry line connecting Lavrion, southeast of Athens, to Cesme, west of Izmir, was launched in 2019 but was interrupted due to the shipping company's bankruptcy. Currently, a tender has been issued by the Republic of Cyprus for a RoPax ferry line connecting Greece to Cyprus, with a possible extension to Israel. However, no shipping company is yet keen on operating such a service despite some subsidies.

Conclusion

While direct ferry services to Egypt from Greece or Turkey are currently unavailable, alternative travel methods such as ferries to nearby locations and subsequent flights to Egypt offer feasible solutions. Keep an eye on local ferry operators and travel agencies for any updates, as services can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to consult these sources directly.