Germany Beats US, Italy, UK, France And More To Become Leading Outbound Force For Greece, Spurring Growth In Athens, Crete, Santorini And Mykonos

Published on November 10, 2025

Germany beats US, Italy, UK, France, and more to become the leading outbound force for Greece, driving substantial growth in Athens, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos. This surge in German visitors is fueled by strong air connectivity, competitive travel options, and Greece’s wide-ranging appeal, from its historic sites to its idyllic islands. As a result, Greece is experiencing record-breaking tourism figures, with these iconic destinations seeing impressive increases in both arrivals and revenue, further cementing Greece’s status as a top European hotspot.

Greece’s tourism sector is experiencing a monumental shift in 2025, with Germany emerging as the top contributor to international arrivals, surpassing the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy. The country is on course to reach unprecedented levels of growth, driven by a remarkable increase in air arrivals, a booming short-term rental market, and a sharp rise in tourism revenue. Destinations like Athens, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos are at the center of this boom, reinforcing Greece’s position as one of the most sought-after vacation spots in Europe. With robust growth across all areas of its tourism industry, Greece is witnessing its most successful tourism year in recent history.

Germany Leads the Charge in Greece’s Tourism Surge

The latest report from the Greek Tourism Confederation’s Research Institute (SETE) paints a picture of extraordinary success for Greece’s tourism sector in 2025. Between January and September, the country welcomed 23.8 million international air arrivals, marking an increase of 1.2 million visitors — a 5.5% year-on-year rise. This surge in numbers is largely attributed to the growing dominance of Germany as the leading outbound market for Greece.

Germany’s outbound travel market has surged ahead of the US, UK, France, and Italy, making it the largest contributor to Greece’s record-breaking tourism figures in 2025. Germany’s travelers are flocking to Greece in increasing numbers, driven by attractive flight options, competitive pricing, and the country’s rich cultural offerings. This increased flow of German tourists has been instrumental in Greece’s growth trajectory, as the demand for Greek destinations reaches new highs.

Throughout 2025, Greece has experienced steady growth in international arrivals. In Q1, international air arrivals rose by 4.8%, while Q2 saw an even stronger 5.9% increase, reaching its peak during the summer months. The high season, from July to September, saw a 5.3% year-on-year increase, bringing in 13.5 million international travelers, with August setting an all-time record for the month.

Athens and Thessaloniki Take Center Stage

Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, has been a key destination for international visitors, benefiting greatly from the influx of German tourists. Athens International Airport (AIA) has seen a 9.6% increase in passenger traffic in 2025, welcoming 7 million travelers between January and September. Known for its ancient history and bustling modern atmosphere, Athens continues to capture the imagination of visitors. Iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon remain top attractions, but the city’s dynamic food scene, vibrant nightlife, and burgeoning cultural institutions are drawing in a younger and more diverse crowd.

Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, has also seen significant growth, with 2.1 million passengers arriving in 2025, reflecting a 10% increase. Known for its Byzantine architecture, Ottoman monuments, and contemporary arts scene, Thessaloniki has established itself as a vibrant and culturally rich alternative to Athens. The city’s growing popularity highlights its increasing prominence in Greece’s tourism offerings.

Island Destinations See Mixed Results

While Athens and Thessaloniki have led the charge in visitor growth, Greece’s islands remain key players in the country’s tourism boom. Crete, Greece’s largest and most visited island, saw 5 million arrivals in 2025, a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. With its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages, Crete continues to captivate travelers looking for a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Dodecanese Islands, including Rhodes, Kos, and Patmos, have experienced a steady 2.2% growth, attracting 4.1 million visitors. This region is renowned for its medieval castles, crystal-clear waters, and charming old towns, offering a perfect combination of history and leisure.

The Ionian Islands, including Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia, have seen impressive growth, with a 4.7% increase in arrivals to reach 3.7 million visitors. The Ionian region remains a favorite for travelers seeking lush landscapes, idyllic beaches, and picturesque towns.

However, not all Greek islands are seeing the same level of growth. The Cyclades, which includes famous destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos, have experienced a slight dip of 6.4% in overall arrivals. Santorini, in particular, has faced a significant 12.8% decline, likely due to the challenges of over-tourism and the pressure of handling large crowds in such a small area. However, Mykonos, known for its luxury tourism, saw a slight 2.4% increase, maintaining its reputation as a premium destination.

Short-Term Rentals on the Rise

As traditional hotels continue to play a major role in Greece’s tourism, the short-term rental market is expanding rapidly. Platforms like Airbnb have seen a surge in popularity, offering travelers a wider range of accommodations that complement the hotel sector. The short-term rental market in Greece has experienced its third consecutive record-breaking quarter in 2025.

In August, Greece had 247,000 available rental listings, up by 14,000 compared to the previous year. Total bed capacity across all short-term rentals exceeded 1 million during the summer months. This growth highlights the importance of short-term rentals in diversifying Greece’s accommodation offerings. Tourists are increasingly seeking out more personalized, local experiences, and short-term rentals allow them to stay in residential neighborhoods and engage more deeply with Greek culture.

Tourism Revenue Reaches New Heights

Tourism revenue in Greece is also reaching new records. Between January and August 2025, tourism revenue amounted to €16.7 billion, reflecting a 12% year-on-year increase. This revenue boost is fueled by strong growth in spending from both EU and non-EU visitors. German tourists contributed a significant €2.64 billion in spending, an increase of 6.6%, while the United Kingdom contributed €2.48 billion, up 8.7%. The United States saw the highest growth, with a 20.6% increase in tourism revenue, reaching €1.17 billion.

This revenue surge is not only benefiting the hospitality sector but is also enabling Greece to invest in infrastructure, enhance the tourism experience, and support local economies. Greece is focusing on sustainable tourism growth, ensuring that its natural and cultural heritage is preserved while welcoming an increasing number of visitors each year.

The Path Forward for Greece’s Tourism Sector

As Greece continues to attract visitors from around the globe, the country is focused on ensuring that its tourism sector remains sustainable and high-value. Germany’s position as the leading outbound market highlights Greece’s appeal to German travelers, who are seeking a rich blend of cultural exploration, relaxation, and luxury. While challenges such as overcrowding in some destinations remain, Greece is actively working on solutions to manage the flow of tourists and preserve the integrity of its popular attractions.

In the coming years, Greece is likely to see continued growth in its tourism sector, driven by both traditional tourists and those seeking alternative forms of accommodation through short-term rentals. The country’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices will be key to ensuring that this growth is managed responsibly and that the benefits of tourism are shared across local communities.

Germany beats US, Italy, UK, France, and more to become the leading outbound force for Greece, driving growth in Athens, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos. This surge is fueled by strong air connectivity, competitive pricing, and Greece’s widespread appeal as a cultural and scenic destination.

In 2025, Greece is witnessing a remarkable surge in tourism, with Germany emerging as the leading outbound market and contributing to record arrivals in Athens, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos. The growth in tourism revenue, the rise of short-term rentals, and the continued popularity of Greece’s cultural and natural offerings are all signs of the country’s ongoing success. As Greece continues to evolve as a top global destination, its focus on sustainable growth will ensure that it remains a beacon of cultural richness, history, and natural beauty for years to come.