During the first nine months of 2025, spending abroad increased by 28.4% compared to the previous year, reaching €2.65 billion. Travel payments abroad in 2024 exceeded €2.8 billion, compared to €2.68 billion back in 2008, before the financial crisis.

The number of Greeks traveling abroad between January and September 2025 rose nearly 20%, with more than 80% of spending occurring within Europe.

Holiday Travel Trends

While domestic bookings to mountain destinations across Greece face challenges this year—marked by uncertainty and cancellations due to agricultural protests—Greek travelers are more than ready to travel abroad during the holiday season.

The year 2025 is set to be a milestone not only for inbound but also outbound tourism. Greek spending abroad is expected to surpass €3 billion, potentially reaching €3.5 billion by year-end. Last year was the best on record for Greek outbound travel, with payments exceeding €2.8 billion.

Data from the Bank of Greece confirm this upward trend, showing a 28.4% increase during the first nine months of 2025. Visa card data also reveal a nearly 20% rise in Greek travelers abroad during January–September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with spending up 20%. The peak travel months (June to August) saw over a 20% increase in travelers and a 25% rise in spending, mostly within Europe.

Air Travel During the Festive Season

Despite obstacles to domestic travel by road, Greeks are set to travel abroad again this holiday season, following recent years’ trends. Airlines report high seat occupancy for flights to major European cities, with New Year’s travel from Athens seeing over 85% capacity.

In Thessaloniki, Christmas holiday travel peaks on December 23rd with over 90% occupancy. Domestic flight bookings have increased compared to last year, likely influenced by the agricultural protests disrupting road access.

Top international destinations from Athens this season are Helsinki, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Oslo, and Stockholm—not the usual classic routes. From Thessaloniki, Germany dominates with Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt leading, followed by Barcelona. Popular domestic destinations from Athens include Sitia, Rhodes, Ioannina, Alexandroupoli, and Kos; from Thessaloniki, Kos, Chios, Kalamata, Rhodes, and Heraklion.

SKY Express, expanding its international network, reports a positive trend in Christmas travel, with increased demand on both domestic and international flights compared to last year. Popular European destinations include Brussels, Prague, Amsterdam, London, Vienna, Berlin, and Paris. On the domestic front, islands and popular tourist spots such as Corfu, Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki remain top choices.

Cost of Short Getaways

Agricultural protests have caused cancellations and reduced visits to mainland destinations, especially in Magnesia (up to 50% cancellations) and Trikala (30%). However, last-minute bookings remain strong, a trend typical among Greeks.

According to the Pricefox platform, which calculated costs for a Christmas weekend getaway for two from Athens and Thessaloniki to popular destinations:

• From Athens:
  • Arachova: 2 hours away, €259 per person (€519 for two), including accommodation (€221/night) and travel (€78 for fuel and tolls).
  • Kalavryta: 2.5 hours away, total €356 (€178 per person).
  • Ioannina: 4 hours 20 minutes away, total €419 (€209 per person).
• From Thessaloniki:
  • Trikala: 2.5 hours away, total €392 (€196 per person), also popular for its “Mill of the Elves” Christmas event.
  • Drama: Less than 2 hours away, total €352 (€176 per person), hosting the “Dreamland” festival.
  • Kastoria: About 2 hours away, total €479 (€240 per person), a beautiful winter destination.

Outlook

Despite current challenges, Greeks are prioritizing holiday travel, often opting for shorter trips of three to four days. The tourism sector remains closely linked with the agricultural economy, and stakeholders emphasize that protests should avoid causing disproportionate harm to other economic sectors and local communities.