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From file: Migrants sit at the port of Paliochora, on the island of Crete after a late night rescue operation by the coast guard near the tiny island of Gavdos, southern Greece | Photo: AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis
From file: Migrants sit at the port of Paliochora, on the island of Crete after a late night rescue operation by the coast guard near the tiny island of Gavdos, southern Greece | Photo: AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis

Crete and Gavdos among Greek Islands with highest migrant sea arrivals

Latest update : 2026/01/07
By Sou-Jie van Brunnersum Latest update : 2026/01/07

Hundreds of migrants have been transferred from dangerous winter seas to the Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos in recent days. Renewed overcrowding at temporary reception centers, including Agyia on Crete, has raised concerns about safety and public health, while transfers are delayed due to fully booked ferries.

Early Wednesday morning (January 7), a vessel carrying 44 people was discovered on a beach on the Greek island of Gavdos, a small island south of Crete. Local authorities helped the group, transporting them to the port of Karave, where they received first aid, food, and water, according to local media.

The migrants are expected to be transferred by ferry to the port town of Palaiochora in southern Chania, Crete, before being taken to the temporary reception center at Agyia.

The Agyia facility is once again overcrowded, eKathimerini, the online English-language edition of Kathimerini, reported on Wednesday. The 472 migrants rescued in earlier operations have remained at the site for nearly 10 days. With Wednesday’s new arrivals, the total population at the center is expected to exceed 510, raising renewed concerns over safety and public health risks. Not all migrants rescued in the area are housed at Agyia, with some awaiting transfer to other facilities.

Efforts to ease the pressure on Agyia remain uncertain, as transfers via regular ferry services are currently not possible. Ferries are fully booked due to increased passenger traffic from returning holiday travelers, according to eKathimerini.

Read AlsoCrete: Nearly 800 new migrant arrivals places Greek island under pressure once again

Migrants risk rough seas on journey from Libya to southern Greek islands

Despite rough seas during the heart of winter, the flow of migrants from Libya to Greece’s southern islands, including Crete and Gavdos, shows no sign of slowing. On December 27, the Greek coast guard rescued 131 migrants off the coast of Crete, bringing the total number of people rescued in the area over five days to 840, a police spokesperson said.

The Greek Islands of Gavdos (l.) and Rhodes (r.) are among the furthest two points away from the Greek mainland, including the capital Athens | Source: Google Maps
The Greek Islands of Gavdos (l.) and Rhodes (r.) are among the furthest two points away from the Greek mainland, including the capital Athens | Source: Google Maps

The December 27 group, whose nationalities were not disclosed, were traveling aboard a fishing vessel approximately 14 nautical miles south of Gavdos. All passengers were transported safely to Gavdos.

The journey from Libya to Crete is particularly perilous, and many attempting the crossing risk their lives. Earlier in December, 17 people, mostly Sudanese or Egyptian nationals, were found dead after their boat sank off the coast of Crete. Fifteen others were reported missing, and only two survived.

Read AlsoGreece rescues more than 540 migrants off Gavdos

Crete tops Greek Islands in migrant sea arrivals in 2026

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 16,770 migrants have arrived in Crete since the beginning of 2026, more than on any other Greek island.

In July 2025, Greece’s conservative government suspended the processing of asylum applications for three months, particularly for those arriving from Libya, describing the measure as “absolutely necessary” in response to the rising number of arrivals.

The maritime routes between Turkey and Greece, as well as between Libya and Greece, remain a common pathway for undocumented migrants seeking to reach Europe. However, these crossings are frequently marked by accidents and deadly incidents.

With AFP

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