Israeli tourists who had arrived in Greece for short holidays have found themselves stranded, unable to return home due to the suspension of flights following renewed tensions and military conflict between Israel and Iran. What began as a routine vacation has quickly turned into an indefinite stay, as the closure of airspace has halted travel to and from the region.

According to professionals in the short-term rental market, many of these visitors had planned only a brief getaway but are now extending their stays without a clear timeline for departure. This unexpected disruption reflects not only the current geopolitical instability but also the growing relationship between Israeli travelers and Greece as a favored destination.

In recent years, Israelis have increasingly chosen Greece for their holidays, with the country rising to become one of the top five source markets for Greek tourism, alongside the United States. In 2024 alone, 621,000 Israeli tourists visited Greece, underlining the strong travel ties between the two nations.

Yet, the current situation casts a shadow over what was meant to be a relaxing break. Many Israelis in Greece are struggling with the emotional toll of being away while their country is under attack. For some, though, Greece is more than a vacation spot — it’s a second home. Having invested in real estate in places like Athens, Halkidiki, and the islands, they’re now using properties once listed on Airbnb as personal refuges.

Many Israeli Golden Visa holders—estimated at 1,500 to 2,000—see their Greek residency as more than an investment. According to the Secretary General of the Association of Short-Term Rental Companies, a common concern is whether Greece could be a safe refuge if war breaks out in Israel.

This scenario is now unfolding in real time. With flights suspended, many Israelis can’t return home, and upcoming trips are canceled for now. However, summer bookings remain mostly intact, and once travel resumes, a new wave of Israeli families is expected to seek refuge in Greece via short-term rentals.