The number of migrant arrivals on the island is soaring and the search for a temporary camp for refugees on Crete has so far been fruitless.
The number of migrants is soaring this year
In 2025, the southern region of the country, especially Crete, has seen a sharp rise in the number of migrants and refugees arriving by sea.
This area now records the highest number of arrivals compared to other parts of the country, overtaking locations that used to bear the brunt of migration flows.
The route from the African coast to southern Crete and Gavdos has become a common path used by migrant smuggling networks.
Official reports show that nearly 3,000 people have reached this region so far this year, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.
This surge puts Crete and its surrounding islands at the center of arrivals for those seeking refuge.
Meanwhile, islands like Lesbos and Samos, which used to see heavy daily arrivals, have experienced a noticeable decline in migrant landings in early 2025.
The Human Traffickers
Human traffickers have shifted their routes toward Southern Crete and Gavdos.
Despite the greater dangers posed by crossing the Mediterranean from Africa, traffickers seem to prefer this path because border controls on the Eastern Aegean route are much stricter.
This change has made Southern Crete a key entry point for migrants.
The traffickers organize risky sea crossings using small boats and often rely on weather conditions and gaps in patrol presence.
Operations are quick and frequent, with many migrants attempting to reach the island in groups.
The traffickers take advantage of a lack of strong state response in the region, which has allowed these routes to grow lately.
Officials say that coastguard personnel in Crete are overwhelmed.
Most of their work now involves rescuing people at sea and transferring them to the mainland.
Even as arrivals rise, resources remain scarce and the focus stays on emergency operations, not prevention.
In early May in just one 24-hour period, coastguard authorities had to manage three rescue missions near Gavdos.
These involved small vessels carrying dozens of migrants each.
One drone spotted a boat with 34 men 25 nautical miles south of Gavdos.
Rescue teams took them to a temporary shelter in Agia, Chania.
The next day, another boat with 39 people was found 17 nautical miles off Gavdos and brought first to Agia Galini port, then to the mainland.
At the same time, coastguard crews discovered 64 migrants on a beach on Gavdos itself.
They were moved to local accommodation before being transported to the mainland.
These frequent missions show just how active traffickers are.
They keep sending out boats despite the dangers, often in groups ranging from 30 to 60 people.
This persistence really highlights their role in keeping the flow of migrants moving through this southern route.
The traffickers operate in networks that organize the departure, navigation, and arrival of migrants.
They often use small, unsafe vessels designed for quick crossings but lacking proper safety equipment, which increases the risks for everyone involved.
These networks exploit the desperation of migrants hoping to escape hardship.
Local authorities face big challenges in controlling traffickers.
The limited number of coastguard officers and equipment restricts proactive efforts.
Most of the work ends up being reactive, responding after boats have already reached or approached the islands.
This approach benefits traffickers, since it lets many crossings succeed.
The traffickers’ ability to keep sending boats across long sea distances shows their adaptability and organization.
They pick times and routes to avoid detection, using knowledge of patrol schedules and sea conditions.
Their tactics change constantly to bypass increasing controls elsewhere in Greece.
Besides organizing boat journeys, traffickers often help migrants with arrangements in departure countries.
They provide false documents, instructions for the journey, and contacts at the destination.
This support system helps migrants attempt the crossing despite the obvious risks.
Authorities try to identify and arrest traffickers whenever possible.
Recent operations have led to arrests linked to the transport of over 100 migrants.
Still, breaking up these networks is tough because they’re spread out geographically and operate underground.
Traffickers make money by charging migrants high fees for passage.
These charges can be huge compared to migrants’ incomes, sometimes leading to debt or exploitation.
The human cost of these journeys is heavy, but traffickers seem to care more about profits than safety.
While efforts continue to increase surveillance and rescue capacity, traffickers remain a stubborn factor in southern Crete and Gavdos.
They exploit the geographic and administrative challenges of the area.
Without more resources and coordinated action, traffickers will probably keep using these routes.
Key Points About Traffickers |
Details |
|---|---|
Preferred route |
Southern Crete and Gavdos |
Method |
Small, unsafe boats, frequent crossings |
Group size |
30 to 60 migrants per trip |
Tactics |
Avoid strict controls, adapt to patrols |
Role |
Organise journeys, provide documents |
Financial motive |
High fees charged to migrants |
Impact |
Overwhelms local coastguard and services |
By understanding the traffickers’ methods and routes, authorities can better target their efforts.
Increased personnel, equipment, and legal action are essential to disrupt these networks and, hopefully, offer safer solutions for migrants.
How Crete Became Part of the Migrant Routes
Crete’s southern coasts, especially near Gavdos, have recently become a key point for migrant crossings.
Human traffickers are using this route more and more to bring people from North Africa toward Europe.
This shift isn’t just random—there’s a clear pattern emerging.
Initially, migrants aiming for Italy crossed the central Mediterranean, bypassing Crete.
The island wasn’t really part of these migration paths.
But now, a new route has emerged, directing flows straight to Crete’s southern shoreline.
This marks a definite change in migrant movement strategies.
While the total numbers are still manageable, the sharp rise in arrivals is hard to ignore.
Percentage increases of 200% to 300% have been recorded compared to previous years.
This trend is a challenge not just for Crete but for Greece as a whole.
Authorities face the task of managing these arrivals effectively.
International law requires that anyone seeking asylum receives protection, no matter how they enter the country.
This means Greece has to provide suitable reception conditions.
Right now, the response is temporary and lacks coordinated long-term planning.
Local infrastructure and services are under pressure to accommodate the growing migrant population.
Finding space for temporary shelters and identification centres in places like Heraklion is part of ongoing efforts to cope with this demand.
Factors in Crete’s New Role |
Details |
|---|---|
Geography |
Southern coast near Gavdos |
Migration origin |
North African shores |
Previous routes |
North Africa to Italy |
New route development |
Direct crossing to Crete |
Numbers |
Around 3,000 arrivals by May 2025 |
Percentage increase |
Between 200% and 350% |
Challenges |
Shelter, identification, legal reception |
This new route is driven by migrants’ search for safer or more accessible passage.
It’s attracted more focused attention from border and rescue services.
Operations by the coast guard reflect the rising activity in these waters.
The shift also affects regional and national planning for migration.
Authorities have to balance security, humanitarian needs, and local community impacts.
The evolving patterns require adaptable and coordinated strategies.
Former Military Site in Kastelli Considered for Short-Term Migrant Accommodation
Authorities are floating the idea of using a former military camp near Kastelli as a temporary shelter for migrants. The plan would offer a place to stay for just a few days, giving people a roof over their heads while they wait for transfer off Crete.
The site’s isolation is a bit of a headache, honestly, though some see it as a workable fix if arrivals pick up.
Running a place like this isn’t simple, not by a long shot. There are a handful of core needs that have to be addressed:
- Security and supervision—you can’t really compromise here, for the sake of both staff and residents.
- Provision of meals that actually cover basic nutrition, not just bare minimums.
- Medical care for check-ups and any urgent health issues.
- Hygiene and sanitation—let’s face it, this is non-negotiable.
- Maintaining adequate health standards throughout the stay.
Another ex-military camp in the middle Karteros area sometimes comes up in these talks. But it’s in rough shape, so it’s pretty much off the table right now.
There was also chatter about using the old lighthouse site near Nea Alikarnassos. It’s close to the port, which could’ve made transfers a breeze.
Still, the local municipality shot it down. The ministry actually put in an official request for the site, but nothing came of it.
Location |
Status |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Former Camp in Kastelli |
Under consideration |
Remote area; requires extensive support |
Camp in Middle Karteros |
Poor condition |
Not feasible at present |
Old Lighthouse, Nea Alikarnassos |
Rejected by municipality |
Close to port; potential logistical benefit |
If the Kastelli site does get the green light, it’ll take some serious coordination. Bringing together enough staff and resources to keep things running smoothly—while making sure migrants are cared for, even if it’s just for a short stint—won’t be an easy feat.
