The fully refurbished Dalila ferry will embark today on its first flight connecting Cyprus and Greece from the Cypriot port of Limassol and moor in the Greek port of Piraeus, the Kathimerini newspaper reported.
The ferry service between the two countries will resume on June 19 after a 21-year hiatus, Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping Vasilios Dimitriadis announced in April.
The ferry, which will carry passengers and cars and is operated by Skandro Holding, will operate 22 flights in 2022 – four in June, eight in July, seven in August, and three in September, the last on September 16, according to News.gtp.
“In 21 years, our compatriots will again be able to travel to Greece and Europe by sea, carrying their cars,” said Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis in late April.
According to the newspaper “Cypress Mail”, the cheapest tickets for adults back and forth cost 76 euros, and one-way tickets – 38 euros. A round-trip trip in the VIP-cabin costs 160 euros, and a one-way trip – 80 euros.
In January, three companies applied for a tender to build a sea link between Cyprus and Greece, and Scandro Holding won the tender with a bid of € 15.59 million.
The ferry can carry up to 400 passengers and 100 cars, it has a restaurant, cafeteria, and clinic. Limassol to Piraeus is a 30-hour drive away.
The Dalila ferry will run from Limassol to Piraeus twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, and from Piraeus to Limassol on Tuesdays and Fridays. The last flight this year will take place on September 16 from Piraeus to Limassol, says Kathimerini.