Most Popular Destinations in Greece for the Dutch

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Table of Contents

Readers of the Dutch travel site Griekenland.net recently cast their vote for their top ten destinations in Greece for 2024. Among the Dutch, Crete is at the top of the ranking, with 16 percent of the overall vote. Samos and Corfu are tied with the second place ranking, each with 10 percent of the vote. 

Heraklion, Crete

About Crete

As the largest and most populous island in Greece, Crete has always been a top destination for Dutch tourists. The white sand beaches, rich history, and long summer season make it an ideal pick for the Dutch. Regular flights are available between the Netherlands and the two biggest cities in Crete – Chania and Heraklion. Notably, one in three Dutch people who travel to Greece visit Crete. 

Chania, Crete

About Samos

Samos is a one of a kind island in the Eastern Aegean. It is known for its lush greenery, quaint villages, and stunning beaches. Uniquely, Samos is very close to the Turkish coast, so there are daily ferries to Kusadasi in Turkey. Samos is also a great place to hop to the nearby islands of Ikaria and Fourni.

 

Samos was the home to Aesop and the math genius Pythagoras. Some famous philosophers like Epicurus and Melissus were also from Samos. Going further back, a myth says that the goddess Hera was from the island of Samos. The Ionic Dipteral Temple of Hera, the Great Altar, and the Sacred Road are two of the monuments that you should not miss.

Samos

About Corfu

Also known as “Kerkyra” or “The Grand Lady of the Ionian”, Corfu is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea that offers history, culture, and natural scenery. It truly has it all, with quaint villages and ancient UNESCO Heritage sites, and foodie destinations. 

Corfu’s historic old town listed on its own as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a maze of narrow streets, brightly painted buildings and impressive squares. It is a joy to wander around the old town as see numerous landmarks, like the Old Fortress, the Liston promenade, and the Spianada Square.

Corfu, One of the Ionian Islands

Other Popular Areas of Greece for Dutch Travelers

Next on the list for Dutch travelers are the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia, which are both found in the Ionian Sea. Kos, Lefkada, and the Peloponnese are next on the list.

Northern Greece

Other areas of Greece are competing to get the attention of Dutch travelers. For example, Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, and Pieria have joined forces to promote their tourism during the “Vakantiebeurs 2024” expo held in Utrecht, Netherlands. Other areas of Greece are also creating their own TikTok pages to promote their unique sites, food, and cultural experiences. 

Thessaloniki

According to feedback from the Dutch expo, demand for travel in Greece is rising among the Dutch. For local tour operators SUNWEB and TUI, prebookings for 2024 are 45 percent higher than what they were last year in 2023. With the tourist season expected to start around the same time as Orthodox Easter in the beginning of May, this could be a busier tourism season than ever before.

Looking for something in particular?
Happy family on vacation in Greece
BlogPurchase Tips

Buying Property Together in Greece: How Co-Ownership Works

Buying a Home Together Under the Greek Sun  Buying a property together, whether with your spouse, partner, family member, or even a close friend, is ...
Olive Harvest in Greece
BlogLifestyle

Olive Harvest in Greece: Autumn Tradition, Taste & Lifestyle

Autumn in the Groves: What Happens in October–November  When the heat softens and the first cool breeze arrives, Greece moves into one of its most ...
Greek Islands
BlogIn The News

Global Recognition for Greece Travel Awards Highlight Beauty and Warmth in 2025

Greece is once again making headlines, not just for its beauty, but for its people, culture, and resilience. In 2025, the country has secured major ...
Parthenon
BlogHistory & Culture

The Parthenon Reveals Its Glory After Almost 2 Decades

The Acropolis, Greece’s most famous and historically important landmark, has experienced a remarkable change. For the first time in about 20 years, visitors to Athens ...
Beach in Mani Peninsula, Peloponnese
BlogIn The News

Tourism Growth Confirms the Peloponnese’s Growing International Appeal

Rising Tourism Puts the Peloponnese in the International Spotlight Something special is happening in the Peloponnese. Once mainly known to Greeks and a few in-the-know ...
New EU Entry/Exit System
BlogIn The News

New EU Entry/Exit System: What Non-EU Travellers to Greece Need to Know

If you’re one of the many people who love hopping over to Greece for the sun, the sea, and all its beautiful places, there’s something ...
Your search results

Compare Listings

Featured in

Receive the latest news

Join over 20.000 subscribers and stay informed on the latest market insights, updates, tips and more

We’ll send you our best articles, expert insights and newest listings.​

Personalized Greek Real Estate Guidance

Tell us more and our team of real estate specialists will get in touch! 

This quick form takes less than a minute to complete. We only need minimal information to get started.

Step 1 of 3

Your inquiry will be reviewed within 24 hours on business days.