Greece’s winter tourism is heating up, with holiday bookings surging across the country, particularly in regions hosting festive theme parks. Attractions like Trikala’s “Mill of the Elves” and Drama’s Dreamland are drawing large crowds, filling hotels not just in the cities but also in surrounding areas.

In Trikala and nearby mountain towns—Meteora, Pyli, Pertouli, Mouzaki, and Plastira—weekends and holiday long weekends are fully booked. “From Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, occupancy is at 100%,” says Trikala Mayor Nikos Sakkas, speaking to Athens-Macedonian News Agency. The Mill of the Elves has become a major tourism magnet, boosting the local economy and surrounding destinations.

Across mainland Greece, the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers estimates holiday occupancy at around 75%. “Despite slight price increases, demand remains strong,” notes Secretary-General Angelos Kallias.

In Drama, the renewed Dreamland park continues to attract visitors from across Greece and abroad, with long weekends already fully booked. Kallias adds that snow will be a decisive factor for mountain resorts, while cities like Thessaloniki and Ioannina will see steady tourism even after Jan. 2.

Pelion and Volos report occupancy near 75%, driven by festive events and hotel packages, though some bookings slowed due to farmers’ protests, according to the Magnesia Hoteliers’ Association. Ioannina is seeing over 90% bookings, with only a few rooms left for late Dec.

Thrace is also busy, particularly Alexandroupoli, where New Year’s bookings exceed 90%, mostly from Turkish and Bulgarian visitors. Local events, like Soufli’s fairytale park, is expected to further boost tourism.

The Peloponnese is experiencing record demand for mountain villages such as Dimitsana, Vytina, Stemnitsa, and Lagkadia, with pre-bookings reaching 90–100%, according to the Regional Deputy for Tourism. Urban destinations like Kalamata and Nafplio also report strong holiday interest, with occupancy rates of 72% and 73%, respectively.

Greece’s winter destinations are clearly thriving this festive season, with a mix of theme parks, snowy mountain resorts, and vibrant city events driving a nationwide tourism surge.