Athens Reaches New Heights, Emerging As A Leading Winter Destination For Americans, Competing With The UK, France, Germany, And More

Published on December 11, 2025

Athens is rapidly establishing itself as a top choice for American travelers this winter, offering a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and mild Mediterranean weather. As the city attracts more visitors, it’s positioning itself as a serious contender against other European winter hotspots like the UK, France, and Germany. The appeal of Athens lies not only in its iconic landmarks, such as the Acropolis, but also in its increasingly sophisticated tourism infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation during the colder months.

Athens has experienced a significant rise in popularity among U.S. travelers, securing its spot as the 13th most popular holiday destination in Europe for 2025. This marks a noteworthy achievement for the Greek capital, which has surpassed several major European capitals, underscoring its growing appeal as a winter getaway for American visitors. According to the latest data from Allianz Partners, this surge reflects a broader shift in U.S. holiday travel patterns and highlights the diverse destinations now on Americans’ radar.

The Allianz Partners’ 2025 European Holiday Destination Index analyzed nearly 165,000 roundtrip flight bookings from U.S. airports to European cities for travel between November 26, 2025, and January 6, 2026. The study identified the most in-demand cities for the upcoming holiday season, offering insight into how Americans are choosing to spend their winter vacations abroad. The rankings reveal that Athens, historically not among the top destinations for American tourists, has gained a newfound appeal for its vibrant mix of culture, history, and winter-friendly atmosphere.

This shift toward Athens reflects an evolving trend in U.S. holiday travel preferences. For years, American tourists have flocked to well-established destinations in Europe, such as London, Paris, and Rome. However, the increased demand for Athens signals a change in this dynamic. More travelers are opting for destinations that provide a combination of rich historical significance, cultural offerings, and a relaxed atmosphere, especially during the winter months. Athens, with its temperate climate, ancient ruins, and lively cultural scene, provides an ideal setting for those looking to explore a less crowded but equally captivating European city.

London remains the top choice for U.S. travelers this winter, as it continues to hold the top spot in the rankings. Paris follows closely behind in second place, with its iconic landmarks, festive ambiance, and proximity to the holidays making it a perennial favorite. Rome rounds out the top three, maintaining its position as one of Europe’s most visited cities, especially during the festive season. Madrid and Dublin complete the top five, with these cities serving as key destinations for Americans seeking a rich cultural experience combined with vibrant holiday markets and celebrations.

While these classic cities remain the most popular choices, the rankings also highlight a shift in preferences toward more diverse options. Cities like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Munich, and Lisbon occupy positions six through ten, offering travelers a blend of traditional European charm and Mediterranean warmth. These cities are well-known for their picturesque streets, historic landmarks, and festive atmospheres, drawing both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers looking for a change of scenery.

Amsterdam, famous for its canals and artistic heritage, is particularly appealing during the winter months, while Barcelona’s mild Mediterranean climate attracts those seeking a warmer escape. Munich and Frankfurt continue to be popular choices for their traditional holiday markets and their accessibility to nearby alpine destinations, while Lisbon, known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, is increasingly becoming a favorite winter destination for those looking for a mix of city life and coastal charm.

Further down the list, Zurich and Milan remain steady favorites among U.S. travelers, offering luxury shopping, stylish boutiques, and easy access to the Swiss Alps and Italian fashion districts. Zurich continues to draw visitors seeking a chic urban experience combined with a gateway to world-class winter sports, while Milan’s fashion-forward atmosphere and proximity to the Alps make it a perfect destination for those looking to combine culture with alpine adventures.

However, the real story emerging from the 2025 rankings is the noticeable dip in the rankings for traditional Christmas hotspots like Vienna, Copenhagen, Geneva, and Brussels. These cities, once the go-to destinations for American tourists during the holiday season, have slipped in the rankings this year. Vienna, known for its classical music scene and festive Christmas markets, still offers a quintessential holiday experience, but it appears that travelers are increasingly exploring other options, seeking unique experiences beyond the usual holiday destinations.

Similarly, Copenhagen, long a favorite for its hygge-inspired holiday atmosphere, has seen a decline in interest. Geneva, a renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts and luxury travelers, and Brussels, famous for its chocolate and beer culture, have also seen a reduction in popularity, particularly among American tourists. The shift away from these destinations may be driven by the rise of new options that offer a fresh take on European holidays, such as Athens.

The rise of Athens as a holiday destination is particularly notable given its historical and cultural offerings, which have long been a draw for travelers. The city’s rich heritage, from the Acropolis to the Parthenon, continues to captivate visitors, but it is the growing vibrancy of its cultural scene, including art galleries, museums, and modern attractions, that is drawing new interest. Athens offers a mix of old and new, with the charm of its ancient ruins blending seamlessly with its bustling modern life.

Additionally, the city’s relatively mild winter climate makes it an attractive destination for those seeking an alternative to the colder, more traditional winter spots in Europe. While cities like Vienna and Copenhagen may offer traditional winter experiences, Athens provides a warm and culturally rich alternative, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace. The city’s combination of rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and pleasant winter weather makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and memorable holiday experience.

Athens is rising as a top winter destination for Americans, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and mild weather, making it a strong competitor to traditional European hotspots like the UK, France, and Germany.

the 2025 European Holiday Destination Index reflects an evolving trend in U.S. travel preferences, with Athens emerging as a strong contender among Europe’s most popular winter destinations. While classic cities like London, Paris, and Rome continue to attract the highest number of visitors, cities like Athens are making significant strides in the rankings, offering a fresh and compelling alternative for those looking to explore Europe’s diverse offerings during the holiday season. As more American travelers seek new and unique experiences, Athens stands out as a prime destination for winter travel in 2025.