Demand for short-term rental accommodations in Greece, particularly through Airbnb, is poised to reach new heights in 2025, with projections indicating a record-breaking year for the market.
Rising pre-bookings, an expanding capacity, and a strong start to the year all contribute to the surge in demand.
Strong Start to 2025
According to recent data from the Greek Tourism Confederation’s (SETE) non-profit research arm, INSETE, the year is promising. January is expected to see a 16% increase in demand, followed by a 9% rise in February. While March shows a marginal increase of just 0.2%, April is set to experience a substantial 38% surge, driven largely by the Easter holiday shift. These early gains reflect a growing appetite for short-term rental accommodations as travellers seek unique and affordable lodging options across Greece.
Impressive Growth in Pre-Bookings
The surge in demand is also reflected in the growing pre-bookings for Airbnb accommodations. These bookings show a double-digit growth of 10% to 15%, depending on the visitor’s country of origin. As Greece continues to be a top destination for European and international travellers, this trend is expected to gain momentum throughout the 2025 tourist season.
Europe’s Booming Short-Term Rental Market
Across Europe, the short-term rental market is on an upward trajectory, and Greece is part of this broader trend. The country ranks sixth among 20 European nations, with a 20.1% increase in demand compared to 2023. Leading the way is Poland, with a 29.9% increase, followed by Norway, Hungary, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
In Greece, the increase in demand has been complemented by a modest 5% rise in revenue per available rental (RevPAR), indicating a steady, healthy growth in the sector. The total number of short-term rental properties has also expanded significantly. As of November 2024, there were 205,000 listed accommodations, a 20,000-unit increase from November 2023. This represents a boost of approximately 90,000 beds, demonstrating the growing capacity to meet the rising demand for short-term stays.
The Growing Airbnb Market in Greece
With strong demand, higher pre-bookings, and increasing rental capacity, 2025 is a banner year for Airbnb in Greece as more travellers opt for the flexibility and local experiences that short-term rentals offer, Greece’s tourism sector thrives, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations.
