October is shaping up to be Greece’s “fifth month of summer.”
Scheduled international air arrivals have surpassed 3 million seats, signaling that Greece’s long-desired goal of extending the tourist season is no longer just a dream — it’s happening.
According to the latest data, October has become a bridge month, seamlessly linking the country’s busy summer season with its growing winter tourism industry. And while the islands still draw large numbers of foreign visitors — led by Germans and Britons — Greek travelers themselves are turning their attention to mountain villages and alpine resorts for the long holiday weekend marking October 28, Greece’s national “Ohi Day,” which traditionally signals the start of the winter travel season.
A Record-Breaking October
According to Airdata Tracker, the analytics platform of SETE (the Greek Tourism Confederation), the number of scheduled international airline seats to Greece this October reached 3,057,623 — an impressive 5.5% increase compared to October 2024.
To put that in perspective, those October arrivals account for 10.7% of all scheduled airline capacity for the March–October 2025 travel period — a clear sign that Greece’s tourism season now comfortably stretches into autumn.
The majority of these arrivals are bound for popular island destinations such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and Corfu, where the tourism season continues in full swing. Charter flights to these islands are scheduled through mid-November, keeping hotels, restaurants, and beach towns alive long after the typical end of summer.
Germany and the UK Lead the Way
Greece’s two traditional powerhouse markets — Germany and the United Kingdom — continue to play a dominant role.
Germany tops the list this October, with 674,574 airline seats, marking a 3.4% increase over last year. The UK follows closely with 583,148 seats, showing a slight 1.2% decline compared to October 2024 — the only major market to record a dip this year.
In third place is Israel, a market that has rebounded spectacularly. With 187,498 scheduled seats, Israel shows a 40% year-on-year increase, as travelers return to leisure travel following last year’s ceasefire. For Israelis, Greece remains a favored nearby destination — familiar, safe, and filled with cultural and culinary appeal.
Next come Italy and France, nearly tied. Italy accounts for 185,027 seats (a 5.7% increase), while France has 184,627 (up 6.1% from last year).
From outside Europe, China and the United States stand out as emerging forces. China records 13,684 seats — up a remarkable 44% from October 2024 — reflecting renewed interest in outbound travel to Europe. The U.S. market remains strong too, with 68,785 seats, an 8.1% rise, as direct flights from American cities continue to operate later into the season than ever before.
Domestic Tourism: Greeks Head for the Mountains
While international travelers fill the islands, Greeks are making their own travel plans — this time for the mountains.
Interest among domestic travelers is surging ahead of the October 28 holiday, which this year falls on a Tuesday. That means many Greeks are turning it into a five-day weekend, taking Monday off to enjoy an extended autumn getaway.
Bookings at hotels and Airbnb-style accommodations for the holiday weekend are climbing fast, with occupancy rates expected to reach very high levels — and, as always, last-minute reservations are expected to flood in.
Mountain destinations in the Peloponnese and Epirus regions are topping domestic travelers’ lists for this first autumn escape. Demand overall is comparable to last year, and early estimates suggest that many destinations could reach 100% occupancy.
Where Greeks Are Headed This Fall
There’s already strong demand for picturesque Epirus villages, as well as Pelion, Volos, Pieria, Kalavryta, and Kalamata — all classic fall and winter getaways.
Greek travelers choosing organized tour packages are mainly opting for four- or five-day trips, with prices reflecting a wide range of budgets.
- Organized packages start at around €200 per person for a three-night stay and go up to €400 for four nights.
- For example, a three-day trip to Karpenisi costs around €248 per person, while a four-day getaway runs about €284.
- A three-day trip to Arcadia is priced at €345 per person.
- Organized tours to Mani, the rugged southern tip of the Peloponnese, start at €180 for three days and reach €320 for a four-day escape to Mount Kaimaktsalan in northern Greece.
- Even island destinations remain an option, with four-day packages to Lefkada priced at about €295 per person.
For many Greeks, the October 28 holiday — commemorating Greece’s defiance of fascist Italy in World War II — marks not only a patriotic celebration but also the symbolic start of winter tourism.
Looking Ahead: Early Bookings for Christmas
Beyond the October rush, travel agencies are already reporting early interest for Christmas holidays, especially for international destinations.
Many Greek travelers have begun scouting options abroad — and the United States and Dubai top the list for long-haul trips. There’s also growing demand for Lapland and Santa Claus Village in Finland, a particularly magical draw for families.
Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries more broadly are seeing increased demand, with Austria and Switzerland following as classic European winter favorites.
More traditional Greek Christmas choices — like Prague, Vienna, and Budapest — are seeing relatively lower interest so far, as travelers explore more diverse options.
Holiday Packages and Prices
According to travel agency data:
- A six-day trip to Lapland and Helsinki costs about €2,630 per person.
- A six-day itinerary covering Switzerland, France, and Germany is priced around €1,050.
- A four-day trip to Prague costs about €795 per person.
These prices reflect both the continued appetite of Greek travelers for experiences abroad and the growing normalization of advance holiday planning after years of uncertainty.
Greece’s Tourism Evolution
This October’s numbers underline a remarkable transformation in Greece’s tourism calendar. Once a strictly summer-only destination, Greece is steadily becoming a year-round magnet.
From the sun-drenched islands of the Aegean to the alpine villages of the north, travelers — both foreign and Greek — are discovering that the country’s allure doesn’t fade with the end of August.
October, it seems, is no longer the quiet after the storm of summer.
It’s the “fifth month of summer” — and it’s here to stay.
