Strong Momentum Across All Travel Markets
Tourism in Greece continues to shine in 2025, setting new records in visitor arrivals, travel revenue, and accommodation growth. According to the latest data from the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE) and the Bank of Greece, the country remains one of Europe’s top travel destinations, and demand is still climbing.
During the first eight months of 2025, both air and land arrivals rose steadily compared with last year. While visitor numbers from the EU remained broadly stable, Greece saw a remarkable increase in non-EU travellers, confirming its growing appeal among long-haul and emerging markets. The country’s global reputation for authentic experiences, natural beauty, and hospitality continues to draw millions from every corner of the world.
Athens Leads In Quantity, the Peloponnese Marked The Largest Increase
The capital, Athens, led the way, welcoming nearly 7 million international visitors (+9,6%), the highest figure nationwide. Thessaloniki (+10%) also saw a solid increase, while the Peloponnese region impressed with double-digit growth (+11%), mainly in Kalamata and Araxos, showing that more travellers are now discovering destinations beyond the classic island circuit.
Among the islands, Crete retained the top spot with 5 million arrivals, an increase of 4.6%, followed by the Dodecanese and the Ionian Islands, all recording healthy gains. A significant increase was recorded in Corfu, while Rhodes and Kos also saw an upward trend. The Cyclades saw a small decline overall, mainly due to fewer arrivals in Santorini, though Mykonos managed to hold steady.
These figures confirm that Greece’s tourism growth is no longer concentrated in just a few hotspots visitors are spreading across regions, boosting local economies and opening new opportunities for vacation, hospitality or even real-estate investment.
Key Travel Markets Show Strength
Greece’s main source markets continued to perform strongly in 2025, driven by steady European demand and surging long-haul interest.
– Germany remains Greece’s largest travel market, with steady growth (+7.8%).
– United Kingdom continues to show robust demand and strong travel ties (+4.5%).
– United States is among the fastest-growing, reflecting increased long-haul tourism (+6.1%)
– France experienced a temporary slowdown after last year’s record season (-6.3%).
– Italy maintained positive momentum with modest gains (+2.1%).
– These trends show that Greece’s visitor base is both broad and resilient, supported by repeat travellers and new audiences alike.
Greece’s Global Standing in Island Tourism
A recent study by the National Bank of Greece (NBG) highlights the country’s dominant role in global island tourism. Greece now attracts over 11% of all island travellers worldwide, ranking alongside iconic destinations such as Hawaii, Bali, and Phuket.
Within the Mediterranean, Greece leads by a wide margin; 62% of visitors head to its islands, compared with 30% in Spain and far fewer in Italy or France. In just over a decade, arrivals to Greek islands have doubled, proving that the country’s coastal charm remains one of its strongest global assets.
From Crete’s golden beaches to Corfu’s lush landscapes and Rhodes’ historic charm, Greece’s islands continue to capture the imagination of travellers seeking authentic, sun-soaked experiences.
Makrygialos, Crete
A Bright Horizon for Tourism in Greece, Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate
The record performance of 2025 is more than a statistical milestone; it also reflects a tourism model that has matured, diversified, and strengthened. Visitors are staying longer, spending more, and exploring wider parts of the country.
Short-term rentals are at an all-time high, with nearly a quarter of a million active listings and more than one million available beds. This signals a shift toward alternative accommodations that complement the country’s expanding network of luxury hotels.
For the real-estate sector, this upward trend translates into growing interest in hospitality investments, vacation homes, and short-term rental properties, especially across the islands and emerging mainland destinations such as the Peloponnese and Crete.
Greece’s tourism boom continues to reinforce its reputation as a global lifestyle and investment destination. With new infrastructure projects, sustainable planning, and ongoing demand from both European and non-European visitors, the country’s tourism and real estate story is only just beginning.
