Germany Joins France, United States, Italy, and More as Greece Surpasses Records, Ranking Sixth in Europe for Airbnb Rentals with Explosive Growth by 2026

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As Greece continues to soar in the European tourism landscape, it has now surpassed remarkable milestones in the short-term rental market, securing a spot as the sixth-largest destination for Airbnb rentals in Europe by 2026. This impressive achievement comes alongside the growing prominence of Germany, France, the United States, and Italy, all of which have contributed to the explosive growth of the Greek tourism sector. With a surge in international travelers flocking to Greece’s islands, vibrant cities, and historic landmarks, the country has firmly cemented its place as a leading player in Europe’s dynamic Airbnb market. This growth reflects Greece’s strategic focus on attracting diverse global audiences while providing unique, local accommodation options that continue to drive record-breaking rental demand.

Greece is poised to secure its position as the sixth-largest European destination for Airbnb-style short-term rentals, fueled by a surge in summer 2026 bookings. According to research presented at the Short Stay Conference in Athens, Greece’s short-term rental market continues to thrive despite broader trends in the Mediterranean region. The findings suggest that Greece’s appeal to international visitors and the growth of short-term rental listings will remain robust in the coming years, outpacing some of its Mediterranean counterparts.

Since 2023, Greece has experienced notable growth in the short-term rental market, surpassing the broader slowdown that affected other Mediterranean destinations. In 2025, Greece reached a record high of 160,000 active listings, with the number of rentals increasing steadily from 130,000 in 2023. While the market experienced a slight dip in the fourth quarter of 2025, this drop was smaller compared to other Mediterranean countries, where listing removals were more significant. The Greek market’s resilience can be attributed to factors such as high demand from international tourists, strategic investments in infrastructure, and a growing base of both traditional and emerging destinations.

At the city level, Athens and Thessaloniki remain the primary engines of growth in the Greek short-term rental market. However, demand is also spilling over into neighboring areas such as Piraeus, Marousi, and Glyfada. This expanding interest in areas outside the main urban hubs shows a shift in how tourists are exploring Greece. The demand for short-term rentals is no longer restricted to the iconic cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, but is increasingly spreading to smaller, lesser-known locations. Emerging markets like Chios, Lesvos, Kalymnos, Katerini, and Alexandroupoli are gaining momentum, signaling that Greece’s short-term rental market has expanded well beyond its traditional tourism hotspots.

The types of properties dominating the market reflect broader trends in the demand for small, affordable accommodations. Studios and one-bedroom apartments make up the bulk of short-term rental listings in Greece, alongside a mix of apartments and villas. This preference for smaller properties highlights a broader global trend in short-term rental markets, where affordability and convenience are often prioritized over larger, more luxurious properties. The market also reflects the caution exercised by new entrants. As more property owners and operators enter the market, AirDNA’s data indicates that review scores tend to fall as portfolio size grows. This suggests that while new listings can generate interest, maintaining quality and customer satisfaction becomes more challenging as portfolios expand.

In terms of demand, 2025 saw a significant surge in bookings during the peak season, especially from the first to the third quarter of the year. Compared to 2019, Greece saw nearly one million more booked nights, demonstrating the market’s continuing strength. This growth has also been accompanied by a shift in booking behavior, with travelers booking earlier than in previous years. June and July remain the busiest months for short-term rentals, but the expansion of shoulder-season travel has extended Greece’s tourism season to nine months. This shift has been driven by an increase in tourists traveling in the off-peak months, spreading demand throughout the year and benefiting local businesses.

International visitors continue to account for a significant portion of Greece’s short-term rental bookings, with around 90% of bookings coming from abroad. The United States has seen an increase in demand, while Germany’s demand has remained steady. However, some countries have experienced a decline in bookings due to economic uncertainty, particularly France. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of the international travel market, where economic factors and shifting geopolitical conditions can have a significant impact on demand.

The summer occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Greece remained strong, with figures 7.8% higher than in 2019. Mid-range properties have proven to be the most resilient in the face of market fluctuations, while luxury units have generally outperformed across Europe. This trend indicates that while luxury properties remain in high demand, the mid-range segment is a more stable market in terms of occupancy and revenue. Regional performance has varied, with destinations like Corfu and Crete seeing higher occupancy and average daily rates (ADR), while Athens and Mykonos have faced slight declines in demand. In response to this softer demand, Mykonos has reduced its rental rates by approximately 15%, signaling an adjustment to the market’s changing dynamics.

Looking ahead, bookings for summer 2026 are expected to rise significantly, with July bookings up 16% and August up 11%. Luxury properties are leading this growth, indicating that high-end tourism continues to be a key driver of the Greek short-term rental market. However, the period between February and April is expected to see a slight dip in bookings, as the market adjusts to changing seasonal patterns. Despite this, the continued growth in bookings for the summer months suggests that Greece will maintain its strong position in the European short-term rental market.

The growing influence of live entertainment on the short-term rental market in Greece is also noteworthy. Major concerts in Athens by global acts like Iron Maiden and Metallica have already resulted in significant spikes in bookings, with some dates seeing an increase of 40% to 80%. This demonstrates the increasing impact of events and entertainment on the demand for short-term rentals, as travelers often plan their trips around major cultural and entertainment events.

Greece has surged to become the sixth-largest destination for Airbnb rentals in Europe by 2026, joining tourism powerhouses like Germany, France, the United States, and Italy, driven by an unprecedented rise in international visitors and short-term rental demand.

Greece’s short-term rental market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, fueled by expanding demand in both traditional and emerging destinations. With a growing number of listings, a steady increase in international bookings, and a strong outlook for summer 2026, Greece is set to remain a major player in the European short-term rental market. The continued expansion of short-term rentals beyond traditional hubs, the growing influence of live entertainment, and the shift towards shoulder-season travel all point to a bright future for Greece’s tourism and short-term rental sectors.