Athens turns into 'ghost city' on 15 August as holidaymakers flee the capital
Athens turned into a near-empty city on 15 August as thousands of holidaymakers left for islands and the mainland, leaving central streets largely deserted despite heavy port traffic and wind-related sailing bans at Rafina and Lavrio.
A capital on pause
Athens experienced what multiple Greek outlets described as its quietest day of the year on Saturday 15 August, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin, known locally as Dekapentaygoustos. The mass departure of August holidaymakers left central streets and squares largely deserted. Avenues that normally carry heavy daily traffic, including Panepistimiou, Stadiou, Akadimias, Alexandras and Patision, appeared frozen in time, with only a handful of vehicles passing through. Drone and ground footage from Orange Press Agency, cited across several reports, documented the unusual stillness.
Who remains behind
With most residents gone, the city centre has effectively been handed over to tourists and the small number of workers who stayed at their posts. Tourists continued to walk the streets, but the absence of cars was conspicuous. For the few locals who chose or were unable to leave, the trade-off is unusually easy movement across the city and a level of calm rarely seen in the bustling capital. Many shops remained closed for the public holiday, deepening the emptied-out impression.
Heavy traffic before the calm
In the days leading up to 15 August, traffic had been particularly heavy at Attica's ports, KTEL intercity bus stations and the exits of national highways, as vacationers streamed out of the Athens basin toward island and mainland destinations. Despite the difficulties caused by sailing bans, the exodus continued through the final hours before the holiday weekend.
Wind disruptions at ports
Strong winds disrupted ferry services across Attica. A sailing ban was in effect at Rafina and Lavrio until at least 1 PM. From Rafina, only routes to Marmari were operating, while from Piraeus, ships to the Argosaronic Gulf islands departed normally. Scheduled departures from Piraeus saw modifications, and passengers were urged to contact ferry companies and local port authorities before heading to the ports for information on possible delays, cancellations or route changes. Traffic at the Attica ports remained high despite the weather problems.
Public transport on holiday schedule
Athens public transport also slowed to a holiday pace. According to OASA's scheduling, buses and trolleys ran on a Sunday timetable on Saturday 15 August. Lines that operate on a 24-hour basis continued their normal service, as is standard every Saturday.
