Greece Sees Unmatched Growth In Direct Hotel Bookings For 2026, With Record Increases Across Key Islands And Mainland Destinations, Fueling A Strong Travel Momentum

Published on November 22, 2025

Greece is witnessing an unparalleled surge in direct hotel bookings for 2026, as the country sees record increases in travel across its key islands and mainland destinations. This remarkable growth is a testament to Greece’s rising appeal among travelers, driven by its enhanced digital platforms, attractive vacation offerings, and the global trend of booking directly with accommodations for better deals and personalized experiences.

Direct online hotel bookings in Greece are witnessing remarkable growth as we approach 2026, according to pre-booking data compiled by a prominent hotel digital marketing agency. The data, gathered through October, shows an impressive 33% increase in early reservations, coupled with a nearly 20% rise in revenue when compared to the same period in 2024. This surge highlights the robust momentum from individual travelers, indicating a strong and sustained demand for Greece as a premier travel destination.

Crete is leading the way, showing exceptional growth with a 118% increase in bookings and a staggering 165% rise in revenue. The island has been a major attraction for travelers, solidifying its reputation as a top destination. Following closely behind are the Ionian Islands, which have seen a 58% jump in bookings and a 130% boost in revenue. These figures suggest a growing interest in Greece’s western islands, which offer lush landscapes and picturesque coastlines.

One island stands out for its growth across the country, recording a remarkable 170% increase in bookings. This surge makes it one of the fastest-growing destinations in Greece for the upcoming travel season. Additionally, another popular destination in Greece has also seen a significant rise in bookings, with an impressive triple-digit expansion. Corfu, a key destination in the Ionian, is also performing well, with bookings up by 69% and revenue doubling.

However, not all the Greek islands are performing equally well. The Cycladic islands, for example, have seen uneven results. While one island in the group is experiencing a standout performance, destinations like Mykonos and Santorini are facing a slight decline in revenue. Santorini, in particular, is also witnessing a small drop in bookings, possibly due to a variety of factors, including increased competition and a shift in traveler preferences. Similarly, the islands of Zakynthos and Rhodes are showing signs of softening demand, a trend largely attributed to the shorter booking windows seen in these mature destinations, which typically attract travelers who plan their trips closer to the departure date.

On the mainland, urban centers are also gaining traction. Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, has posted a solid 68% increase in bookings, reflecting a growing interest in both leisure and business tourism. Athens, the capital, is also showing growth, albeit at a more moderate pace with a 24% increase in bookings. These cities offer rich cultural experiences, ancient history, and a modern atmosphere, making them increasingly appealing to travelers looking to explore beyond the traditional island destinations.

In other parts of the mainland, the town of Parga has recorded a nearly 84% increase in bookings, signaling a strong demand for Greece’s more off-the-beaten-path destinations. The Peloponnese region, known for its historical sites and natural beauty, is also reporting steady growth, though bookings in the area are not experiencing the same rapid acceleration as in other parts of the country.

Looking ahead to the winter season of 2025, holiday bookings are also on the rise. National bookings for the winter months have increased by 19%, while revenue has seen a substantial 33% uptick. Arachova, a popular winter destination known for its ski resorts and alpine charm, is experiencing a significant surge in demand. Metsovo, another mountain town in northern Greece, is also benefiting from this trend, with increased interest in its winter offerings. Both Athens and Thessaloniki are seeing healthy holiday increases, attracting tourists who want to experience the festive season in Greece’s vibrant urban centers. The Peloponnese region has also reported a boost in revenue despite a slight decline in the number of bookings, indicating that visitors are spending more per stay.

The overall trend for 2026, as observed in these pre-booking numbers, shows that travelers are becoming more price-sensitive. Many are turning to early-booking deals to secure lower rates, which is driving the strong early demand. This pattern mirrors what was seen in 2025, where initial interest in travel was followed by a lull, only for last-minute bookings to surge closer to the travel dates. The heightened sensitivity to pricing is influencing travelers to plan ahead and take advantage of promotions, a behavior that is expected to continue into 2026.

With these trends, it is clear that Greece’s tourism industry is on a strong trajectory as we move into the new year. The country’s diverse offerings, from the world-renowned islands to the rich cultural experiences in cities and rural destinations, continue to captivate the global traveler. Greece’s appeal is not only sustained but growing, with many regions and islands showing significant increases in both bookings and revenue. As travelers increasingly seek value for money and flexible travel options, early booking trends will continue to shape the landscape of Greek tourism in the years to come.

Greece is experiencing a record rise in direct hotel bookings for 2026, driven by its growing popularity among travelers and the increasing preference for booking directly to secure better deals and personalized experiences.

The 2026 travel season in Greece promises to be a banner year, with a clear momentum that is fueled by both established hotspots and emerging destinations. The ability to secure lower rates by booking early is likely to remain a key factor in influencing consumer behavior, ensuring that Greece remains at the forefront of travel trends in Europe.