{
  "content_date": "2026-09-02",
  "disclaimer": "Overview only. No invented timetables or prices. Always check the operator. Times: check operator.",
  "national_overview_source": {
    "name": "Visit Greece — By sea",
    "url": "https://www.visitgreece.gr/en/transportation/by-sea",
    "facts_used": [
      "Aegean, Saronic and Cretan lines primarily depart from Piraeus and Rafina.",
      "Ionian Islands are served by the ports of Patras, Kyllini, Igoumenitsa and Astakos."
    ]
  },
  "hubs": [
    {
      "id": "piraeus",
      "name": "Piraeus",
      "role": "Main passenger port of Athens / Attica for Aegean, Saronic and many Cretan routes.",
      "official_port": "https://www.olp.gr/en/",
      "how_from_athens": "Metro Line 1 (green) and Line 3 (blue, Dimotiko Theatro / Piraeus). Airport: Metro Line 3 or OASA X96. Confirm on STASY and OASA.",
      "times": "check operator"
    },
    {
      "id": "rafina",
      "name": "Rafina",
      "role": "East Attica port used for several Cyclades routes (often Andros–Tinos–Mykonos corridor and others).",
      "how_from_athens": "KTEL Attikis buses toward Rafina (check ktelattikis.gr). Closer to ATH than Piraeus by road, but still allow buffer time.",
      "times": "check operator"
    }
  ],
  "operators_named_on_this_site": [
    {
      "name": "Blue Star Ferries",
      "official": "https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb",
      "note": "Attica Group conventional and other services; book only on the official site or recognised agents. Times: check operator."
    },
    {
      "name": "Seajets",
      "official": "https://www.seajets.com/",
      "note": "High-speed services including Cyclades; Rafina and Piraeus both appear in operator messaging. Times: check operator."
    },
    {
      "name": "Fast Ferries",
      "official": "https://fastferries.com.gr/en/",
      "note": "Operator lists Rafina–Cyclades and Piraeus–Cyclades among routes. Times: check operator. Do not copy seasonal PDF times into this JSON."
    }
  ],
  "prices": "Not published here. Fares vary by vessel, season, cabin/vehicle, and fuel surcharge. Check the operator.",
  "durations": "Not published here except where an official operator or authority states a figure on a durable page. Ferry times vary by vessel type and weather."
}