A growing number of Greeks are being priced out of summer holidays in their own country, with nearly half unable to afford even a week away, according to Germany’s RND network. Soaring costs for accommodation and transport—especially on popular islands—are making vacations increasingly out of reach for local families.

Meanwhile, Greece expects over 40 million foreign tourists this year, highlighting a stark divide between booming international tourism and domestic affordability.

Nearly One in Two Greeks Can’t Afford a Week’s Vacation

Citing Eurostat data, RND reports that 46% of Greeks cannot afford a one-week vacation—well above the EU average of 27%, with only Romania worse off. The gap is driven by rising travel costs and stagnant incomes. Demand from foreign tourists has pushed Greece into the top five most expensive European destinations on platforms like Airbnb, according to AirDNA.

At the same time, many Greek households are still grappling with post-crisis income levels, with half saying they can barely cover basic needs, leaving little left for holidays.

Domestic Holidays Out of Reach for Many

As a result, holiday travel has become a luxury for many Greek families. A study by the Greek Research Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA) found that 52% of Greeks do not plan to take any holidays this year, while only 10% intend to stay in a hotel or guesthouse. Most plan to stay with family or friends in rural areas to cut costs, and one in three said they are traveling less than in previous years.

Ferry Ticket Prices Add to the Burden

High ferry costs are adding to the financial strain, pushing many Greeks to skip the islands for mainland destinations. A round trip from Piraeus to Syros for a family of three with a car costs 488 euros. By contrast, a 10-hour ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza costs just 155.50 euros—underscoring the steep premium Greeks face for domestic travel.