On Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., visitors will be invited to explore Greece’s renowned Wine Routes and take part in a rich program of activities celebrating wine and wine tourism.

Fares from Athens to Mykonos have risen from 198 euros in 2025 to 218 euros in 2026, while flights from Athens to London have increased from 317 to 351 euros.

Arrivals and overnight stays fell slightly year-on-year, though the broader 2026 season looks resilient as Southern Europe surges in European traveler preferences.

The Hellenic Hoteliers Federation warns that the proposed tourism spatial framework could impose broad restrictions that overlook local needs, while calling for policies that support sustainable growth and fair competition

The proposed framework therefore appears more favorable toward tourism development than the existing regime, even though the island needs strict rules in order to preserve its identity

The central challenge for Athens, the study concludes, is to transform itself from a short cultural stop into a fully developed multi-day metropolitan destination.

Greece entered 2026 expecting another record year for tourism, but rising fuel costs, Middle East tensions and decreased demand are beginning to test the industry’s resilience

The application window closes Wednesday night. Here is what the program offers and where to find the results once they are published

A new spatial framework introduces stricter building limits, coastal protections and controls on short-term rentals amid concerns by some quarters over overtourism, environmental impact

Athens is introducing a new tourism zoning framework with stricter bed limits for overcrowded destinations, sustainability-focused upgrades, and special levies aimed at easing pressure on islands strained by overtourism

The 2026–2027 Social Tourism vouchers can be used starting May 18, 2026, and are valid for the following 12 months for eligible beneficiaries.

The island's tourism growth extended beyond aviation, with the island also asserting itself as a dominant player in cruise tourism.

Greece is pushing to expand cruise tourism beyond its most crowded ports, with cruise levy revenues returning to local communities

A dispute has erupted over the reopening of Greece’s Samaria Gorge, as local communities push for extended access while scientists and authorities insist that recent extreme weather damage requires strict safety assessments before visitors return.

Adapting to climate change will be essential, as rising heat reshapes travel seasons and forces destinations to rethink peak demand. At the same time, travelers are prioritizing authentic, low-impact experiences.

The European Parliament has backed proposals for a sustainable tourism strategy aimed at easing pressure on overcrowded destinations while boosting regional connectivity, regulating short-term rentals, and supporting skills and local economies

Applications are now opening for a state-backed holiday program targeting self-employed pensioners in Greece, offering subsidized stays and travel benefits across selected destinations, with priority access rules and increased support for specific regions

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to position wine culture as a key pillar of Attica’s identity and international appeal.

Authorities grant extra time for applications after widespread technical issues blocked access for thousands, with a new deadline set for May 3.

Despite a record-breaking start to 2026, with arrivals up 38.5% and revenues up 70.7% in January-February, Greek tourism faces growing uncertainty from Middle East tensions, rising costs, and a shrinking booking window