Cities and islands report record demand, flights near capacity, and short-term rentals soar as Greece kicks off its tourist season early.
Greece is experiencing a major tourism boost this Easter season, as Orthodox and Catholic Easter celebrations align on April 20 for the first time in years. The rare overlap has created an ideal environment for increased travel, with domestic and international visitors flocking to major cities and holiday destinations.
Urban tourism on the rise
Athens and Thessaloniki are at the forefront of this spring surge, with hotel and flight occupancy rates reaching over 90%. The capital city attracts European travellers seeking city breaks, while Thessaloniki has drawn Balkan visitors thanks to cultural programming and religious events tied to Holy Week.
A combination of international flights, regional road trips, and favourable weather has turned Greece’s two largest cities into vibrant Easter hubs. Tourism officials report one of the strongest starts to the travel season in years.
Island destinations thrive early.y
Meanwhile, Greece’s famed islands are experiencing equally strong demand. Corfu remains the top destination for Greek Easter, with nearly 55,000 visitors expected to participate in its unique Orthodox traditions. Crete and Rhodes have also seen higher-than-usual early-season bookings, with more hotels opening their doors ahead of summer to accommodate the influx.
Even Santorini, which faced early-season challenges due to seismic activity in February, is preparing for a busy summer. Although many hotels wait until May to open, advance bookings indicate confidence among travellers.
Short-term rentals dominate market share.
Short-term rentals play a major role in this year’s tourism pattern, with platforms reporting a 77% increase in Easter week bookings. Regions such as Volos, Kalamata, Ioannina, and Pelion have emerged as alternative hotspots, appealing to travellers seeking authenticity and tranquillity from the crowded islands.
Air travel sees high demand.
Airlines operate near full capacity, with Aegean Airlines reporting Easter season seat occupancies between 75% and 85%, and some routes—like Athens to Thessaloniki—exceeding 90%. Domestic travel to Samos, Kos, and Mytilene is also thriving, while international demand for flights from Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Zurich is strong.
Holy Thursday and Good Friday are among the busiest travel days, while return journeys are expected to stretch through the end of April, especially for families and schoolchildren enjoying extended breaks.
Outlook for summer
This promising start to the year bodes well for Greece’s 2025 tourist season. The alignment of Easter holidays, increased international connectivity, and growing demand for city breaks and countryside escapes fuel expectations for a record summer.
With cultural events, religious traditions, and sun-drenched escapes on offer, Greece is once again proving to be a top global destination—at Easter and beyond.
