Greece’s Tourism Boom: 2026 Early Hotel Bookings Skyrocket in Kos, Paros, Crete, and Athens as Travelers Lock in Discounts, Here’s What It Means for Visitors

Published on November 22, 2025

Greece is experiencing a dramatic spike in early hotel bookings for 2026, with key destinations like Kos, Paros, Crete, and Athens seeing remarkable increases. International travelers, in particular, are becoming more price-conscious and booking their stays well in advance to secure lower rates. According to recent reports, pre-bookings have surged by an impressive 33.3%, while revenue has also seen a rise of 19.2% compared to last year. The trend is widespread, affecting both island and mainland destinations across the country. But, it’s not all smooth sailing, with some popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos experiencing slower growth. Let’s dive deeper into how this early surge in bookings is shaping the future of Greece’s tourism industry and what it means for travelers.

Early Hotel Bookings Soar in Key Greek Islands

Greece’s island destinations are particularly benefiting from this early booking trend. Kos and Paros have posted exceptional growth, with Kos seeing an increase of 170% in bookings, while Paros follows closely behind at 139.5%. These Greek islands are not only seeing an increase in pre-bookings but also in revenue, with Kos experiencing a 132.5% increase and Paros seeing a 47.2% rise.

Similarly, Crete has been a standout performer, boasting a 117.5% increase in bookings and a 164.66% surge in revenue. The Ionian Islands, led by Corfu, also reflect strong demand, with Corfu achieving a 69% rise in bookings and a 146% increase in revenue. The rising demand for these destinations highlights how travelers are prioritizing value and securing deals early, while also highlighting the shift in tourist preferences towards more affordable options.

The Impact of Price Sensitivity on Travel Behavior

The rise in early bookings is largely driven by the price sensitivity of international travelers. As the travel industry continues to evolve, it is clear that budget-conscious travelers are opting to lock in their hotel reservations well ahead of time. This behavior reflects a broader trend where travelers are more inclined to secure lower rates and take advantage of early-bird offers to avoid price hikes closer to their travel dates.

Greece’s tourism sector is adjusting to this new reality, with digital marketing agencies and hoteliers focusing on attracting these price-sensitive travelers through strategic early-bird deals and promotions. With this shift in traveler behavior, hotels across the country are seeing a strong demand for both peak season and holiday bookings, particularly for the 2025 festive season, which is also showing an uptick in early reservations.

Mixed Performance Across Popular Islands

Despite the overall rise in early bookings, some Greek islands have faced moderate declines in revenue. Santorini and Mykonos, two of Greece’s most famous destinations, have reported a drop in revenue of 7.4% and 19%, respectively. However, Mykonos still managed to see a 15.1% rise in early bookings.

This trend of declining revenue could be due to changing demand patterns, particularly as travelers are now opting for more affordable destinations or shorter booking windows for established locations. The shift in demand also indicates that travelers are more selective in their destination choices, focusing on destinations that offer both value and unique experiences.

Strong Demand for Mainland Greece and Urban Centers

Urban and mainland destinations in Greece are also experiencing significant growth in early bookings. Thessaloniki is leading the charge, with a 67.7% increase in bookings and a 56.2% rise in revenue. Athens is also showing solid performance, with bookings up 24% and revenue up 29.22%.

Parga and the Peloponnese have also emerged as strong performers, with Parga seeing a 83.8% jump in bookings and 56% increase in revenue, while the Peloponnese records 63.8% growth in bookings and 67.8% in revenue. These destinations offer less crowded alternatives to the more popular islands, attracting travelers who prefer a quieter, more authentic Greek experience.

Travel Tips for 2026: How to Benefit from Early Booking Trends

For travelers planning their 2026 trip to Greece, there are several strategies to take advantage of the current booking trends:

1. Book Early: Given the rising popularity of early bookings, securing your accommodation well in advance can help you lock in the best rates and avoid last-minute price hikes.
2. Explore Lesser-Known Destinations: While Santorini and Mykonos remain iconic, consider visiting Paros, Kos, or Parga for a more affordable yet equally breathtaking experience.
3. Take Advantage of Holiday Deals: If you’re planning to visit Greece for the festive season, make sure to book your stay early, as there is a significant rise in holiday bookings for 2025.
4. Look for Value-Driven Packages: As price sensitivity continues to shape the travel landscape, explore packages that offer great value without compromising on the quality of your experience.
5. Stay Flexible: While early bookings are surging, be prepared for fluctuations in availability and pricing, especially for highly sought-after destinations like Kos and Crete.

What’s Next for Greece’s Tourism Industry in 2026?

The growing trend of early bookings for 2026 signals a promising outlook for Greece’s tourism industry. As travelers continue to prioritize affordability and value, Greek hotels are adjusting their strategies to meet the demands of this more price-sensitive market. While some destinations may experience slower growth, others like Kos, Crete, and Paros are on track to lead the way in terms of both bookings and revenue. The future of Greece’s tourism looks increasingly bright, with both island and mainland destinations benefiting from the changing patterns of travel behavior.