Summer has arrived. Across Greece, vacationers are eagerly searching for destinations, booking ferries, securing hotel rooms, and planning their much-needed escape from the grind of daily life. But this year, once again, the anticipation is shadowed by a nagging question: Can the average Greek actually afford a vacation in their own country this summer?

Despite government declarations of economic growth and recovery, for many Greeks, holidays have become an increasingly luxury they can no longer afford — especially if their dream involves one of the country’s famously beautiful islands.

The Numbers Behind the Greek Holiday Price Surge

In a nationwide investigation, the Greek newspaper Ta Nea examined the current cost of vacations across Greece: from ferry tickets to hotel rates and short-term rental prices. The results reveal a stark reality: even modest, family-friendly getaways have become prohibitively expensive.

Excluding both luxury resorts and budget “dives,” the survey focused on average accommodation prices across multiple destinations, providing a realistic estimate of what the average Greek family would need to spend for a decent, not extravagant, holiday.

Tour operators, hoteliers, rental owners, and business owners across both island and mainland destinations spoke to Ta Nea, and their message was clear: this summer, for hundreds of thousands of Greek families, holidays remain a distant dream, reserved for those who can shoulder the steep cost of travel and accommodation.

Ferry Ticket Prices: Up 10-15% This Year

When it comes to ferry travel—a crucial component of any Greek island holiday—the costs have spiked sharply. According to official data from Greece’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs, as of May 2025, ferry ticket prices have risen by 10% to 15% compared to the same period last year.

Despite recent government measures aimed at containing fares, prices have surged largely due to new EU regulations aimed at reducing carbon and sulfur emissions in Mediterranean shipping—a shift that has made sea travel greener, but also more expensive.

The increases force many Greek families to do the math multiple times before even considering whether a vacation is financially feasible.

For example:

  • A couple traveling with their car to the Cyclades islands can expect to spend between €455 and €557 just for ferry tickets—more than €250 per person.
  • A family of four with a car will need between €488 and €672 — an average of €290 per person.
  • Travel to Crete is similarly priced: couples will pay between €486 and €550, and families from €584 to €667.
  • For trips to the Eastern Aegean or Dodecanese islands, ferry travel costs range between €460 and €648 for couples, and €518 to €808 for families.
  • Even shorter Ionian island trips require significant spending, with ferry and road travel (from Athens or Thessaloniki to ports such as Igoumenitsa and Kyllini) costing €250 or more.

Mainland Greece: Not as Cheap as You’d Think

While Greek holidays often evoke images of whitewashed island villages and crystal-blue waters, many Greeks choose to vacation on the mainland to save on ferry costs. But even here, expenses add up.

Ta Nea calculated average driving costs—including fuel and tolls—for popular mainland destinations like Pylos, Halkidiki, Pelion, and Parga. A round-trip from Athens or Thessaloniki can cost between €30 and €190, depending on distance.

The Grim Math of 2025 Vacations

The investigation paints a bleak picture: this summer’s holidays remain financially out of reach for a large portion of Greece’s population, particularly when compared against stagnant average wages.

While accommodation prices have remained relatively stable, they still hover at high levels, and—when combined with ferry ticket hikes and travel costs—make even a simple summer break increasingly unaffordable.

For many, what was once a cherished Greek tradition—summer holidays by the sea—has become a luxury few can still afford.