View with cruise ships of the volcanic caldera of Nea Kameni from the village of Thira (Fira), Santorini Island, Cyclades, Greece[/caption] During the 2025 survey period—running from December 2024 to August 2025—readers voted across more than 90 global travel categories. Greece ranked first in the “Best Tourism Destination” category, surpassing other popular European destinations such as Ireland (second place) and Spain (third place). The awards ceremony took place in Miami, where the honour was accepted by Konstantinos Charokopos, Head of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) for North America. The fact that Greece was voted best destination for Americans again in 2025 has direct implications for the real estate sector. Strong tourism performance often translates into increased interest in: - Holiday homes and second residences - Investment properties for short-term rentals - Luxury villas and beachfront real estate - Residency-linked investments, such as Golden Visa programs. American buyers, in particular, are increasingly drawn to Greece due to its competitive property prices compared to other European destinations, combined with lifestyle benefits and high rental demand.
Beyond the Islands: Growing Interest in Mainland Greece
Alongside the award news, the Greek National Tourism Organisation is also actively promoting mainland Greece to international markets. New road-trip tourism initiatives in regions such as Central Macedonia (Northern Greece), Thessaly, and Epirus are showcasing lesser-known destinations, natural landscapes, and authentic villages. This diversification of tourism flows opens new real estate opportunities beyond the traditional island hotspots, offering investors access to emerging markets with strong growth potential.
A Destination with Long-Term Value
To be voted best destination for Americans for the fifth consecutive year is a rare and powerful endorsement. It confirms Greece’s position as one of the most trusted and admired travel destinations worldwide. Greece's continuous distinctions and awards in this field are no coincidence, but demonstrate consistency and quality, such as the recent award for the best retirement destination in Europe or the increased demand for Greece as a destination even during the winter months. This recognition reinforces Greece’s long-term value—not just as a place to visit, but as a country where demand, quality of life, and investment potential continue to rise year after year. In our older blog posts, you can find a useful guide for Americans who want to buy property in Greece as well as answers to 18 frequent questions Americans ask when buying a home in Greece.
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