22.10.2026
Best Islands to Retire in Greece
Based on recent data of ours, almost one in three buyers (30.8%), mainly retirees, from abroad are looking for a property in Greece for a permanent residence.
Market Insights
Greek Airbnbs in 2025
Recent news from Greek news outlets shows that the number of people booking Airbnbs in Greece went up by about 12% in 2024 compared to 2023.
AirDNA's "European Review, January 2025" shows a strong upward trend in demand for Greek Airbnbs. This report showed a 45% year-over-year increase in bookings for future stays in January 2025. In other words, when people made summer plans in January, Greece was one of the first places they thought of for vacation in 2025.
For the Easter period specifically, as noted in AirDNA's "Greece Leads Europe in Year-on-year Booking Increases for Easter 2025" report, bookings surged by an impressive 77% compared to Easter in 2024.
Greek Hotels in 2025
Information from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) in early 2025 shows that the number of nights people stayed in Greek hotels increased by 6.5% compared to the same time last year. Also, Money Tourism reported that hotels in Athens were quite full, with about 76% of their rooms occupied in the first three months of 2025.
Also, ELSTAT's data published in March 2025 showed that tourist arrivals at accommodations in January 2025 reached 742,865, while overnight stays totaled 1,656,673. This is an increase of 3.6% in arrivals and 2.7% in overnight stays compared to January 2024.
The average price per night for these Athens hotels was around €140. This means that hotels in the capital are doing well, with many guests and slightly higher prices than last year.
What Does This Mean for Me?
If you own a property in Greece, it can be profitable to rent out your home either as a short-term or long-term rental. Read more about investment returns and new rental regulations in Greece here.
Also, if you're planning a trip to Greece in 2025, whether simply for vacation or for viewing properties you would like to purchase, you have a lot of choices for where to stay.
Airbnbs can be a good option, especially if you're staying longer or traveling with a group. For example, recent reports show that the average price for a two-bedroom Airbnb in Athens is about €160 per night.
In the end, the best place to stay depends on what you need and like.
Advantages of a Hotel in Greece
Greek Hospitality
Greeks are known for their legendary hospitality, and it is deeply ingrained in hotel culture. Even in ancient times, traders would come a long distance and locals would insist that they stay in the family home so they could treat the guests to home-cooked delicacies.
Free Cancellation
Many hotels, like those on Booking.com, offer rooms that can be cancelled for free. This is not always true for Airbnbs, where if you cancel, you might not get your money back. Having the flexibility of cancellation can give you peace of mind on your journey.
Transfer to and from Accommodation
Almost all hotels will help you organize a transfer from your airport or ferry to your hotel room. The transfer might happen either with a local transfer company or in the hotel owner’s family car.
Private Beaches
Small beachfront hotels in Greece often have direct beach access and a swimming area. In some places like Halkidiki and Crete, this might mean private access to beach umbrellas with dedicated bar service. Non-guests might have to pay for these spaces, while you would get them free as a guest.
Advantages of an Airbnb in Greece
Bigger Size
Airbnbs can be a lot bigger and can accomodate large groups. If you are traveling with family, this can be ideal because for the same price, you might get 2 bedrooms and additional privacy or a kitchenette instead of just 1 room in a hotel.
Better Price
As we mentioned earlier, in general in Greece, Airbnbs for short-term stays are cheaper than hotels. For larger Airbnbs with multiple rooms, the savings only grow when compared to rates for hotel suites or rooms with kitchenettes and extra space.
Self-Catering
If some people in your group have special diets and you want the ability to cook or have a meal at home, usually Airbnbs in Greece are better set up for this. If you’re lucky, the Airbnb might even have a classic Greek coffee pot or Greek butter cookies in your pantry.
Complete Privacy
Unlike a hotel, where you will surely have neighbors either beside or above you, Airbnbs can be in remote places. In Greece, there are even listings on Airbnb for cave houses, windmills, and fishermans’ huts.
Flexible Check In/Out
Generally speaking, the host of an Airbnb in Greece will let you check in early or check out late, especially if the day before or after does not have a booking. This flexibility of course will depend on the area you are visiting and the specific host's policy. Especially when trying to catch an afternoon ferry or flight, it is ideal to have flexible checkout time so you don't need to carry your luggage around town.
Authenticity
Airbnbs in Greece are usually operated by local hosts who can give you insider tips on the area and point you to lesser-known local attractions that you might not find in a guidebook. Compared to a hotel, you will likely have a closer relationship with your host, learning more about their family and work, and perhaps even enjoying a traditional greek coffee together.
Summing it Up
Whether you choose to stay in a hotel or Airbnb in Greece, you can’t go wrong. Hotels will offer top-tier service, free cancellation, and private beach access, while Airbnbs will give you more connection to locals, flexibility for your arrival, and affordable prices. It’s best to decide on your accommodation based on your priorities, travel plans, and budget, so that you can fully enjoy your holiday in Greece.
