The Greek tourism sector posted positive results for the first six months of 2025, as international airport arrivals recorded a 5.7% rise over the first six months of 2025, with two other tourist-related sectors also benefiting from the rise in foreign travelers, according to the Institute of INSETE of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).
Compared to the same period in 2024, over half a million more international visitors landed at Greek airports in 2025.
Meanwhile, travel receipts were also up by 12.7% between January 2025 and July 2025, while the encouraging figures were rounded off by the number of short-term rental properties that continued their upward trend.
In June, an estimated four million foreign arrivals were recorded, representing a 5.4% increase from June 2024.
The airports in Crete stood out, with 1.9 million landing on the island—over 86 thousand—reflecting a 4.7% uptick compared to the respective period in 2024.
The Dodecanese followed in absolute numbers, with 1.5 million arrivals (19 thousand more/1.3%), while the Ionian Islands saw a 4.9% rise, or 1.3 million visitors. In contrast, the region of the Cycladic Islands was the only one that posted negative results, recording an 11.5% drop.
In terms of travel receipts, the 12.7% increase is attributed to a rise in spending by EU nationals (+10.9%), amounting to 2.327 billion euros, as well as from 3rd country citizens (+15.1%).
Germany accounted for a +9.9% travel receipts rise, while the French recorded a -7.8% drop.
Short-term rental properties in Greece continued an upward trajectory in the first half of 2025, maintaining the growth trend that began in 2023 and accelerated throughout 2024.
This momentum was sustained for the second quarter of the year. In April, the number of active listings reached 228,000—an increase of 16,000 compared to April 2024, which recorded 212,000 properties. The upward trend continued in May, with 236,000 listings, up 18,000 from 218,000 in May of the previous year.
June also marked another month of growth, with listings climbing to 242,000—an increase of 17,000 compared to June 2024, which saw 225,000 properties. The steady rise further reinforces the sector’s positive momentum seen since the start of the year.
