Although Greeks, like the rest of Europeans, have shortened their vacation days, they now seize every opportunity for short escapes both within and beyond the borders.

With a maximum of three overnight stays, domestic travelers are once again taking advantage of the Christmas holidays, with occupancy rates at winter destinations in Greece already exceeding 80%.

Local stakeholders are also hoping for favorable weather conditions to encourage more last-minute bookings for both New Year’s and Epiphany, given that last winter’s season was significantly limited, partly due to a lack of snow for skiing at resorts across the country.

Another trend observed during this festive season is that Greeks are traveling abroad more frequently every year. This is evident from the high occupancy of flights during the holiday season, with travelers increasingly opting for less traditional, classic destinations.

This year, travel activity during the Christmas season, based on airline bookings, is higher than last year. “This demonstrates the high demand from Greeks for leisure travel during the festive period,” according to airline representatives. Christmas remains more popular than New Year’s for international travel.

Foreign Visitors and Athens

Despite the fact that tourism in Greece is highly seasonal, Athens is enjoying a surge in international visitors this year, benefiting from the city’s overall rise in popularity. Visitor numbers from abroad have noticeably increased compared to last year, with Athens continuing to be an affordable destination for international travelers.

According to data from Trivago, a well-known hotel price comparison platform, the average online price for a double room in Athens during December is €130—roughly the same as November (€131) but higher than December 2023 (€121).

In contrast, other popular European capitals have much higher average prices: London at €299, Paris at €241, Madrid at €206, Amsterdam at €201, and Barcelona at €182. Meanwhile, Istanbul remains slightly cheaper than Athens at €120.

Comments from Tourism Leaders

Eugenios Vasilikos, President of the Athens–Attica and Argosaronic Hotel Association (EXAAA), stated that 2024 has been relatively positive for the city’s hotels, with demand expected to continue.

However, he expressed some concern over the economic and geopolitical situation in Europe, particularly in key markets like Germany and France, which could influence traveler behavior.

During the holiday season, hotel bookings in Athens have increased compared to last year, with major hotels in Syntagma Square reporting up to a 30% rise in occupancy. The positive trend of Athens, which now sees 7.5 million annual visitors, is also reflected in Google search data.

Evripidis Tzikas, a board member of EXAAA and General Manager of Athens Capital–MGallery Hotel, noted that traveler searches for Athens on Google have risen by as much as 50% year-over-year for 2025, led by Americans.

According to Google, searches from the U.S. have surged by 50%, followed by a 30% increase from Israelis, 15% from Brits, and 4% from French travelers, solidifying Athens’ status as a tourist destination.

Festive Spirit in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is also enjoying a festive mood this Christmas, with the added excitement of the metro’s launch, which has become a new attraction for visitors.

Occupancy levels have already exceeded 80%, driven mostly by domestic travelers, according to the Thessaloniki Hotel Association. Passenger traffic at the “Macedonia” airport, managed by Fraport Greece, has also improved, with November recording a 12.8% increase in overall traffic and a 17.2% rise in international traffic.

During the holiday season, Aegean Airlines has reported an increase in international flights from Thessaloniki, with German destinations like Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich topping the list. Domestically, the most popular destinations include Rhodes, Chania, Mytilene, Heraklion, and Chios.

Winter Destinations Across Greece

After a lackluster winter season last year, especially in areas with ski resorts due to insufficient snowfall, this year’s festive season features more events and activities aimed at enhancing the tourist experience.

Kalavryta is a top choice for Athenians, offering over 40 events, including the Chocolate Festival and the Night of Wishes with floating lanterns. The local Ski Center is expected to perform better this year if weather conditions permit.

Similarly, Arachova, home to Greece’s largest ski resort, is preparing for a surge in visitors once the snow arrives.

At Trikala, “The Mill of Elves” has become a key attraction, driving weekend occupancy rates to 90% or higher, aided by the new E65 highway, which has improved accessibility.

In Magnesia and Pelion, pre-bookings are strong, with offers for three- or four-day stays, including nature-based activities and festive dinners. Room rates range from €70 to €140.

In Imathia, the ski resorts at Three-Five Wells and Seli have opened, though bookings remain modest at 70%-75%, with expectations of last-minute increases.