Greece’s Tourism Boom Over Twenty-Six Million International Air Arrivals In 2025, With Crete And Athens As Top Destinations

Published on December 25, 2025

Greece is experiencing a tourism boom in 2025, with over twenty-six million international air arrivals. This surge is primarily driven by the popularity of key destinations like Crete and Athens, which have emerged as top choices for travelers seeking a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. The influx highlights Greece’s growing appeal as a year-round destination, supported by enhanced air connectivity and an expanding tourism infrastructure.

International air arrivals in Greece showed robust growth during the January–November 2025 period, with major urban centers and Crete further solidifying their positions, while the Cyclades faced a decline. This shift in travel demand highlights a noticeable redistribution, with city destinations and regions that remained resilient during the year emerging as clear winners.

By the end of November 2025, Greece welcomed a total of 26.9 million international air passengers, an increase of +5.8% or 1.5 million more than the same period in 2024. Athens International Airport and Crete were the top performers, accounting for the largest share of this growth. On the other hand, the Cyclades region was the only area to experience a decrease in international arrivals, despite the overall positive trend nationwide.

Athens International Airport, Greece’s busiest airport, recorded the highest number of arrivals during the 11-month period, reaching 8.2 million passengers. This figure represents a +706 thousand or +9.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The capital city has long been a strong performer in the tourism sector, and its growth indicates the ongoing demand for both cultural and leisure travel to the Greek capital.

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, also saw impressive growth in international air arrivals, with 2.5 million passengers, marking an increase of +238 thousand or +10.5% compared to the previous year. This steady growth reflects the city’s expanding appeal as a vibrant destination for both business and leisure tourism.

In the islands, Rhodes continued to draw tourists, with 3.1 million international arrivals, showing a modest increase of +65 thousand or +2.2%. Kos, another popular island destination, welcomed 1.4 million arrivals, an increase of +49 thousand or +3.6%. These numbers reflect the enduring popularity of Greece’s islands, known for their rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant tourism offerings.

However, not all islands experienced similar growth. Karpathos, for example, saw a decline of –8 thousand or –7.9%, with total arrivals reaching just 91 thousand. This drop highlights the challenges faced by smaller islands, where competition for tourist attention is fierce and the lack of large-scale infrastructure can sometimes limit growth potential.

Crete, Greece’s largest and most visited island, led the way in terms of international air arrivals with a total of 5.6 million passengers, an increase of +284 thousand or +5.3% compared to 2024. The island’s appeal is well-established, with its combination of historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and unique local culture attracting visitors from all over the world. The island’s growth reflects its continued success in attracting international tourists, supported by well-developed tourism infrastructure and a wide range of attractions catering to various types of travelers.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, saw 4 million arrivals, an increase of +234 thousand or +6.1%. This reflects the city’s popularity as a gateway to the island, offering easy access to historic sites such as the Palace of Knossos and other cultural landmarks. Chania, another popular destination on Crete, recorded 1.6 million arrivals, reflecting a growth of +50 thousand or +3.3%, showing the widespread appeal of the island’s diverse regions.

Elsewhere in Greece, other islands saw steady growth in international arrivals. Corfu recorded 2.1 million arrivals, up by +120 thousand or +6.1%, while Zakynthos saw 1.1 million visitors, marking a +33 thousand or +3.2% increase. Kefalonia, a quieter but increasingly popular destination, welcomed 377 thousand arrivals, a slight rise of +5 thousand or +1.5%. Aktion, serving the region of Preveza, recorded 423 thousand arrivals, reflecting a +27 thousand or +6.8% increase.

However, not all regions were as fortunate. Mykonos recorded 534 thousand arrivals, an increase of +11 thousand or +2.1%, which, while positive, did not mirror the growth seen by other destinations. In contrast, Santorini, once a consistent top performer, experienced a significant decline of –103 thousand or –13.6%, with a total of 654 thousand international arrivals. The drop in Santorini’s arrivals is notable, especially considering the island’s traditionally high popularity, and may reflect changing visitor preferences or growing competition from other destinations.

Smaller regional airports also showed varied results. Araxos recorded 85 thousand arrivals, up by +8 thousand or +10.8%, while Kalamata saw 170 thousand, an increase of +16 thousand or +10.7%. Skiathos, with its iconic beaches and lively atmosphere, welcomed 285 thousand arrivals, a +16 thousand or +5.9% increase. Meanwhile, Kavala saw 117 thousand arrivals (+2 thousand or +1.9%) and Mytilene recorded 83 thousand, up by +6 thousand or +7.5%. Samos, on the other hand, experienced a decrease in arrivals, with 133 thousand visitors, down by –5 thousand or –3.4%.

Crete was the geographical unit that saw the most significant number of international air arrivals, with 5.6 million passengers, marking an increase of +284 thousand or +5.3%. The Dodecanese followed closely, with 4.5 million arrivals, up by +106 thousand or +2.4%. The Ionian Islands recorded 4 million arrivals, an increase of +186 thousand or +4.9%, showing a strong performance from this region.

In contrast, the Cyclades, a group of islands that includes popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini, recorded 1.2 million arrivals, down by –92 thousand or –7.2% compared to 2024. The decline in the Cyclades indicates that, despite the overall positive trends across the country, some destinations may be struggling to attract the same level of international interest as in previous years.

Greece is set to welcome over twenty-six million international air arrivals in 2025, with Crete and Athens leading as top destinations due to their cultural richness and scenic beauty.

Overall, Greece’s international air arrivals in 2025 demonstrate strong growth across the majority of regions, with Athens, Crete, and other key islands leading the way. However, the challenges faced by the Cyclades, especially Santorini, highlight the need for continuous adaptation to shifting tourist demands and competitive pressures in the global tourism market.