How did ferry networks help tourism grow in Greece?

Ferry networks were instrumental in the significant growth of tourism in Greece starting in the 1960s. The development of a specialized network of truck- and car-carrying ferries provided essential connectivity, linking mainland Greece to its numerous islands and to Italy.1

By improving infrastructure and accessibility, these ferry services allowed visitors to reach diverse destinations across the country more easily, supporting the rise of the service sector as the dominant part of the Greek economy. This expansion in transportation, alongside broader improvements in road infrastructure, helped Greece accommodate a surge in international visitors, which reached approximately 14 million annually by the beginning of the 21st century.1