Neither record heat waves nor deadly fires nor floods nor earthquakes are keeping tourists from coming to Greece again in what looks already to be a third straight record in 2025 as the country filled with foreign visitors in April.
While US President Donald Trump has rattled the world’s economy with his tariff threats, bringing uncertainties and some signs consumers will cut back spending that hasn’t been reflected in arrivals in Greece so far.
In a review of the numbers – more than 36 million people in 2024, three times the country’s population – the site Travel and World Tour said that “Greece has emerged as a reliable and appealing destination for international travelers, positioning itself as a safe haven in the face of political and economic turbulence.
“Pre-bookings are soaring, and the country’s ability to bounce back from challenges, such as natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, demonstrates its resilience. As 2025 unfolds, Greece stands poised for a record-breaking year in tourism, with travelers seeking both refuge and immersive experiences in its diverse destinations,” the report added.
Pre-bookings have shown big growth, especially at popular destinations such as Crete, the South Aegean and Ionian islands but also at lesser-visited spots as some travelers want to escape the masses at the usual places.
They are going to Messinia on the Peloponnese, Epirus in the north and islands such as Naxos, and Karpathos that “are quietly rising in popularity, offering off-the-beaten-path adventures for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture and natural beauty,” the report added.
Santorini is seeing no letdown either despite thousands of earthquakes in the winter that rattled people so much that two-thirds of the population of nearly 16,000 left until the tremors ended, and tourists returning.
“The country’s reputation for safety and tranquility has become a beacon for travelers seeking an escape from the chaos of the world. As an alternative to destinations marked by instability, Greece is emerging as a preferred Mediterranean getaway,” said the report.
