Greece and the Balearics: Spaniards’ top ferry destinations in 2025

In recent years, ferry transport has experienced strong growth in Spain, positioning the country at the forefront of the recovery of short-distance maritime transport in Europe. Ferryscanner, a digital ferry booking platform designed to help travelers discover new routes, compare options, and purchase tickets, has analyzed travel data from Spaniards throughout 2025 to provide an overview of the most in-demand destinations and the main trends shaping the way people travel by sea. Ferries are especially popular among young people: 37% of domestic passengers are between 18 and 30 years old, and half travel alone or as a couple. Freedom of movement is also gaining ground: two out of three domestic travelers bring their own vehicle on board, and 81% choose to take a car.

Domestic Getaways: Barcelona as a Departure Point

According to Ferryscanner data, for domestic routes, the Balearic Islands once again take center stage. Barcelona has consolidated itself as one of the main departure points, connecting with Palma, Ibiza, and Formentera on routes that combine tourism, family getaways, and frequent visits. Ibiza stands out as the favorite destination: 16% of domestic ferry travelers choose this island, while Barcelona accounts for 19% of trips and Palma de Mallorca attracts 11% of passengers. Formentera, with 8% of travelers, confirms the appeal of less crowded islands, and Mahón receives 4% of passengers, reflecting the interest in quieter destinations. The remaining passengers were spread across more than twenty national ports, from Dénia and Valencia to inter-island routes in the Canaries and Balearics, highlighting the diversity of options and the reach of Spain’s ferry network.

Greece and the Baltic: Setting Sights on the Open Sea

Meanwhile, international data show that more and more Spaniards are looking beyond the western Mediterranean. Greece is emerging as the top international ferry destination in 2025: Piraeus accounts for 24% of international trips, while Mykonos and Paros each attract 9% of passengers. Naxos adds 8% of travelers crossing borders by sea, and Santorini and Milos each receive 6% of international passengers. Aegina accounts for 5% of international ferry trips.

Baltic routes, such as Helsinki and Tallinn, each account for 4% of international travelers, expanding the range of experiences and reinforcing the international dimension of ferry travel among Spaniards.

A Diverse Traveler and a New Way of Understanding the Journey

The traveler profile is as diverse as the destinations. According to the analyzed data, 46% of domestic passengers were women and 54% men. 95% of travelers on domestic routes were adults, 37% were young people between 18 and 30 years old, 4% were children, and 1% were infants. Additionally, 13% of domestic bookings were made by families, and 50% by solo travelers or couples, confirming that the ferry is a convenient and attractive option for all types of travelers and especially popular among the younger demographic.

Ferries don’t just transport people: the trend of traveling with one’s own vehicle is becoming established. In 2025, 66% of domestic trips included a vehicle on board, and 81% of these vehicles were cars. Barcelona led in vehicle embarkation volume, followed by Palma and Ibiza. This preference reflects Spaniards’ desire to travel at their own pace, explore hidden coves, small villages, and secondary roads without depending on schedules or external transfers.

According to Alexia Kotsi, CMO of Ferryscanner, “Ferries are undergoing a transformation: they are no longer just an alternative means of transport, but an experience in themselves. More and more travelers value the ability to tailor their trip, discover new destinations, and enjoy the journey from the very first minute. The 2025 data show that ferries are meeting a growing demand for flexibility, sustainability, and authenticity in travel.”

In 2025, ferries are responding to a new way of understanding holidays: the journey is not just a formality, but part of the trip itself; freedom of movement, shared time, and the ability to start unwinding from the moment of boarding are all valued. Additionally, 30% of Ferryscanner’s customers are repeat users, indicating high satisfaction and loyalty.

About Ferryscanner

Founded in Athens in 2018, Ferryscanner is a digital ferry booking platform designed to help travelers discover new routes, compare available options, and purchase tickets online in just a few clicks.

Thanks to an advanced search engine and partnerships with over 350 ferry companies, Ferryscanner allows users to compare and purchase tickets online for more than 3,500 routes and 900 destinations in Europe and worldwide, both via the website and the app (iOS and Android).

Ferryscanner offers customer support seven days a week in 25 languages, payments in 48 currencies, and additional services such as multi-route bookings, digital ticket management, options for traveling with pets, and a loyalty program.

The company also supports marine conservation projects, collaborating with organizations such as Enaleia to remove plastic from the Mediterranean Sea. Each year, more than a million travelers choose Ferryscanner to organize their ferry trips simply, safely, and comfortably.