Greeks are fundamentally changing how they vacation, driven by rising costs for travel and accommodation.
Instead of abandoning their beloved island trips, they are opting for shorter, more affordable getaways to nearby destinations, according to a recent analysis of booking data from Greek ferry platform Ferryscanner. The trend highlights a growing desire for flexibility and value over traditional long-haul vacations.
The findings, based on travel behavior between June and August 2025, show a clear shift in consumer preference.
Saronic and Cycladic Islands gain popularity among Greeks
The data reveals a dramatic increase in traffic to islands closer to the mainland ports of Athens. The Saronic Gulf island of Aegina saw a remarkable 12.65% increase in popularity compared to 2024, knocking Syros out of the top five most-booked islands. Other nearby, “value-for-money” destinations experienced similar surges:
Agistri: up 13.46%
Kythnos: up 5.5%
Kea: up 2.05%
The top destinations overall were Tinos, Paros, Mykonos, Aegina, and Naxos, confirming that even some of the more popular Cycladic islands remain a top choice.
Traditional “premium” destinations see decline
Conversely, traditionally expensive destinations have seen a drop in bookings. Santorini recorded a 5.33% decrease, with recent seismic activity possibly contributing to the decline.
The most dramatic shift occurred in Crete, where Chania experienced a sharp 26.54% drop. This suggests travelers are seeking more cost-effective entry points to the island, as traffic to Heraklion saw a small increase.
Shorter vacations for the Greeks
The survey confirms that Greeks are prioritizing shorter trips to manage costs and maintain flexibility.
Nearly half of all travelers (49.2%) chose a 1-3 day trip.
Trips lasting 4-6 days accounted for 35.6%.
Longer vacations of 7+ days made up a mere 15.2%.
This “short break” trend is also reflected in booking habits. The vast majority of Greeks are now booking last-minute, with 59.3% of travelers finalizing their plans within a week of departure, a notable increase from 56.9% in 2024. This trend is driven by economic uncertainty and the search for better prices, according to Ferryscanner.
