Tourism in Greece Faces Disruption as Farmers’ Protests Block Major Roads

Published on December 16, 2025

Greece’s mountain and semi-mountain tourism sector is facing significant challenges just days before the peak of the festive season. Ongoing farmers’ protests and road blockades on major national highways have disrupted travel across the country, raising concerns about the impact on the winter tourism industry. These protests, which have seen farmers block key roads, come at a crucial time for Greece’s tourism sector, as the country prepares for the busy Christmas and New Year period.

In the weeks leading up to the holiday season, bookings for popular destinations in mainland Greece were expected to be strong, with occupancy rates forecasted to reach between 75% and 100%. However, the closure of national highways has already led to numerous cancellations, while new reservations have been frozen, creating uncertainty for travelers planning to visit during the winter months. The situation is especially critical for Greece’s mountain resorts and rural destinations, which rely heavily on winter tourism, including skiing, hiking, and cultural experiences.

Impact on Winter Tourism and Bookings

The winter tourism sector in Greece, particularly in mountain regions such as Metsovo, Kalavrita, and Arachova, has been hit hardest by the road blockades. These destinations are popular with both domestic and international tourists during the winter months, attracting visitors for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and traditional winter festivals. The mountain resorts, which are already preparing for the Christmas rush, rely on easy access to their locations, especially for tourists arriving by car or bus from major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.

Despite high expectations for the holiday season, the ongoing protests are creating logistical nightmares for travelers. Key highways, such as the E65 and E92, which connect Athens with the northern and mountainous regions of Greece, have been intermittently blocked, preventing smooth travel between popular tourist destinations. As a result, many travelers have canceled or postponed their trips, fearing delays, disruptions, or the inability to access their destinations in time for the holidays.

Tourism operators in the affected areas report a sharp decline in bookings, particularly in regions that depend on road access for tourism. Ski resorts, in particular, are feeling the impact as families and adventure travelers cancel their planned vacations. The ripple effect has also been felt by hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in these regions, which depend on the influx of tourists to support the local economy.

Challenges for Ski Resorts and Winter Sports Tourism

Winter sports tourism is a key part of Greece’s tourism economy, especially in regions like Metsovo, Kalavrita, and Mavrovo, where ski resorts offer a range of activities for visitors seeking snow-filled experiences. The closures of major roads have caused significant disruptions to the movement of tourists who were planning to visit these popular ski resorts. With many visitors from Athens and Thessaloniki choosing to drive to the ski resorts, the road blockades have made it difficult for travelers to access these areas.

Ski operators are concerned about the growing uncertainty surrounding the ability of tourists to travel to the resorts and enjoy their planned winter activities. Many skiers and snowboarders who have already booked their holidays are now reconsidering their trips or seeking alternative destinations in neighboring countries. The economic impact on ski resorts, which have already been dealing with financial challenges in recent years, is expected to be significant if the blockades persist through the holiday period.

Wider Impact on Rural and Cultural Tourism

Beyond the mountain resorts, rural and cultural tourism is also feeling the effects of the protests. Small towns and villages that attract tourists seeking a more relaxed, authentic experience are being impacted by the road blockages, which disrupt travel to heritage sites, local festivals, and traditional markets. Regions like Peloponnese, Epirus, and Macedonia have become popular winter destinations for those looking to explore Greece’s rich cultural and historical heritage, but the ongoing disruptions are causing confusion and hesitation among potential visitors.

Local tourism operators in these areas are also reporting a slowdown in bookings, as tourists remain uncertain about their ability to travel freely. With the high season for rural tourism coinciding with the festive period, the delays and cancellations are likely to cause long-term economic difficulties for businesses dependent on this influx of visitors.

Government Response and Efforts to Minimise Disruptions

In response to the ongoing protests and disruptions to travel, the Greek government has expressed its commitment to resolving the situation as quickly as possible. Efforts have been made to negotiate with the farmers, but as of now, the protests continue to cause significant disturbances to travel and tourism.

Tourism officials are working closely with local businesses and government agencies to minimize the impact of the protests on winter tourism. Alternative routes are being provided for travelers to access key destinations, and efforts are underway to inform tourists of the latest updates on road conditions and expected delays. However, the uncertainty surrounding the situation has made it difficult for tourism operators to plan for the busy holiday season, and further disruptions may continue to affect the tourism industry in Greece in the coming weeks.

Conclusion: A Challenging Winter for Greek Tourism

As Greece’s tourism industry braces for one of the busiest times of the year, the ongoing road blockades caused by farmers’ protests are presenting significant challenges. With winter tourism playing an important role in the local economy, particularly in mountain resorts and rural areas, the disruption to travel has led to cancellations and uncertainty. The government and tourism sector are working to mitigate the impact of the protests, but the situation remains fluid, with the outcome dependent on how quickly the blockades are resolved. For travelers planning to visit Greece in the coming weeks, it’s essential to stay updated on road conditions and potential delays to ensure a smooth travel experience.