A week before the Orthodox Holy Spirit long weekend, which falls on June 1, thousands of travelers across Greece are already preparing for a short summer escape, taking advantage of one of the few public holidays that aligns with a weekend.
From the Peloponnese and Evia to the Cyclades and the Saronic Gulf, bookings are already running at high levels. Tourism professionals report strong demand, accompanied by notable price fluctuations as the holiday approaches.
Road trips dominate as travelers seek lower costs
This year, many holidaymakers are once again opting for road-accessible destinations in an effort to avoid higher ferry fares. Messinia and the wider Peloponnese continue to stand out as consistently popular and relatively affordable choices.
According to Dimitris Karalis, occupancy gaps still exist in the region, with availability remaining in several hotels. He notes that Messinia and much of the Peloponnese are still considered budget-friendly destinations, where visitors can find double rooms with breakfast ranging from around €75 up to €150–€200 depending on hotel category.
Evia remains a strong favorite for Attica travelers
Among the top choices for the long weekend is Evia, valued for its accessibility and relatively low cost—particularly for residents of Attica.
Anna Koutsoupi describes early bookings as solid both for Evia and Skyros, emphasizing their appeal to domestic travelers. She highlights Evia’s unique advantage: despite being an island, it is accessible by road, while also benefiting from proximity to Athens International Airport.
The destination combines mountain and sea landscapes, cultural sites, gastronomy, and strong hospitality. Skyros, she adds, is also showing stable demand, with modest growth compared to last year. Accommodation prices vary widely, starting from about €60 per double room and rising significantly depending on category and location.
Cyclades and strong demand in Naxos
The Cyclades remain a top-tier summer choice, with Naxos already recording strong early bookings for June.
According to Giorgos Lathinas, the island is well prepared for the influx of visitors, with pre-bookings performing strongly across the board. Ferry occupancy is estimated at around 70%. Ticket prices vary, with high-speed ferries ranging roughly between €63 and €77, while conventional vessels cost about €52.
Hotel rates start at around €70 per night with breakfast, increasing depending on category and amenities. A typical round-trip ferry cost for a family of four is estimated at around €400, while accommodation for two double rooms is of a similar range. Car rentals on the island average about €35 per day.
Saronic Islands: proximity and affordability drive demand
Closer to Athens, the Saronic Gulf islands continue to attract high visitor numbers thanks to easy access and comparatively lower travel costs.
For example, a couple traveling with a car to and from Aegina can expect ferry expenses of around €77.
Eugenios Vasilikos notes that the Holy Spirit weekend traditionally provides a valuable boost for local hotels. He points out that the Saronic islands remain attractive due to their affordability and accessibility, including the possibility of reaching some islands by car ferry.
However, he also acknowledges that broader geopolitical pressures, including the impact of ongoing conflicts, have increased operational costs for the hospitality sector.
As the holiday approaches, Greece’s tourism map once again highlights a familiar pattern: a strong preference for nearby, accessible destinations, balanced by the enduring appeal of the islands and the early rhythm of the summer season.
