- Ferry connections between Piraeus and both Heraklion and Chania are operating tonight, September 30, despite severe weather in the Aegean.
- Because of dangerous 8- to 9-Beaufort northeast winds, vessels are bypassing intermediate island stops—specifically Serifos and Milos.
- The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecasts heavy rains and thunderstorms across Crete—primarily affecting the Chania and Rethymno regional units—persisting intermittently until Sunday morning, October 4.
If you’re taking a ferry between Athens and Crete tonight, the main routes to Heraklion and Chania are still scheduled to operate. Some intermediate port calls have changed, as strong winds and worsening weather affect the Aegean.
This is also a useful reminder for travelers who assume that a certain Beaufort number automatically means a ferry cancellation. It doesn’t work quite that neatly.
What Is Changing Tonight
According to the latest information from Hellenic Seaways, the evening services on Wednesday, September 30, have been modified due to the weather.
Piraeus to Heraklion
ASTERION II is scheduled to leave Piraeus at 9:00 p.m. and arrive in Heraklion at 6:15 a.m.
The ship will not call at Serifos.
Passengers traveling between Piraeus and Heraklion do not need to change their tickets. Anyone who was booked to board or disembark at Serifos should contact the agency that issued the ticket.
The return service, NISSOS RODOS, leaves Heraklion at 9:00 p.m., arriving in Piraeus at 6:15 a.m., also without a Serifos stop.
Piraeus to Chania
KISSAMOS is scheduled to leave Piraeus at 10:00 p.m. and arrive in Chania at 6:15 a.m.
Its scheduled stop at Milos has been canceled.
The return service, ELYROS, leaves Chania at 9:30 p.m. and is scheduled to reach Piraeus at 6:00 a.m., again without calling at Milos.
The same changes are scheduled for the corresponding services on Thursday, October 1, with Serifos and Milos omitted from these particular routes.
So, Is the Ferry Cancelled?
No — not in this case.
And that’s the part travelers often get wrong when they look at a forecast and see winds of 7, 8, or even 9 Beaufort.
There is no simple rule saying “8 Beaufort means no ferry.”
The decision depends on several factors, including the wind direction, wave conditions, the route, individual ports, and the vessel itself. A company may decide that a ship can safely make the main crossing while dropping an intermediate port call.
The Piraeus–Crete connections continue, while Serifos and Milos are removed from the itineraries.
For passengers, that distinction matters. A weather warning does not necessarily mean your entire trip has disappeared. It can mean a delayed departure, a changed route, a skipped port or, in more severe circumstances, a complete cancellation.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service is forecasting strong northeasterly winds of 8–9 Beaufort in the Aegean, alongside heavy rain and thunderstorms affecting Crete.
The strongest weather is expected particularly around Chania and Rethymno, with unsettled conditions potentially continuing intermittently through the morning of Sunday, October 4.
That is serious weather for anyone traveling by sea, but the practical message for ferry passengers is more useful than the Beaufort number alone.
The ferry company, port authority, and travel agency will have information specific to your ship and route.
What Passengers Should Do
If you’re traveling between Piraeus and Crete tonight or tomorrow:
- Check your ferry’s status before going to the port.
- Check whether your itinerary has had an intermediate port removed.
- If you’re boarding or leaving at Serifos or Milos, contact the ticket agency about the change.
- Don’t assume that a weather warning automatically means your Crete ferry has been cancelled.
- Don’t assume the opposite either. Conditions can change, and operators can make further changes for safety reasons.
The Mediterranean doesn’t operate according to a neat “Beaufort 8 = cancelled” formula.
Tonight is a good example. The weather is rough enough to change ferry itineraries, but the principal Piraeus–Heraklion and Piraeus–Chania crossings are still scheduled to run.
For travelers, the safest approach is wonderfully unromantic: check the status of your actual sailing before you leave for the port.
