Families put off by travel costs
Coastal shipping routes may have been deregulated but the same shipping firms are monopolizing routes to Greece’s islands. Moreover, instead of more ships, there are now fewer than before deregulation. As for prices, fares for a couple and a child taking their car to an island amount to 400-500 euros return for mid-range distances (Naxos or Milos) and 300 euros for islands closer to the mainland (such as Skopelos). That means travel costs are about the same as a week’s accommodation. Although Greeks might be able to find good hotels in less popular destinations at 35-50 euros a night, they are put off by the cost of getting themselves there, the possibility of not finding tickets as well as delays and cancellations of boats.