- Airbnb bookings throughout Europe are surging; Greece is among the most in-demand destinations.
- Greek hubs, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete, show double-digit booking increases;
- Smaller cities such as Ioannina and Kalamata are surprising standouts;
- Islands, including Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini, record declines in demand.
Easter (like “spring break” in the USA) is looking to be a hot time for an Airbnb escape as Europe gets ready for vacation once more. With its sun-soaked beauty and rich customs, Greece is taking the stage as one of Earth’s most popular Easter locations. Both domestic and foreign guests planning their holiday escapes drive the explosive bookings on short-term rental sites.
Demand has been stimulated by the same Orthodox and Catholic Easter dates this year, April 20. Data on current bookings for Easter week shows that reservations have already comfortably exceeded last year’s levels. AirDNA’s statistics show that bookings had jumped 67% from two weeks ago—a dramatic change from the meager 24% increase this same year.
City Stars and Understood Treasures
Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete are at the top of Airbnb rankings, all of which have experienced reasonable increases in demand. In February alone, Athens increased bookings by 21%; Thessaloniki and Crete followed with 19% and 16%, respectively.
Smaller cities, meanwhile, are truly stretching the bounds. Short-term rental demand has skyrocketed in Ioannina, at 53%, closely followed by Kalamata, at 50%. Prominent results have also come from coastal favorites such as Volos (+38%), Patra (+37%), and Nafplio (+35%).
Conversely, some island stars are losing steam. With barely 4,000 booked nights, Mykonos reported a dramatic 46% decline in February. Not far better have been nearby islands Zakynthos (-37%), Rhodes (-18%), and Santorini (-15%).
Booking Patterns in February All Over Europe
Greece and European visitors are swarming Airbnbs in unprecedented numbers for the following months. Bookings for future stays show an 18% year-on-year increase based on February figures from 20 investigated nations. Greece tied with Spain by landing in the top 5 with an 18% increase. Poland (+28%), Norway (+23%), and the Czech Republic (+20%), topped the pack.
And the straggers? Denmark progressed at a snail’s pace with just a 2% gain; the UK (+4%), then Sweden (+9%), followed. Although Italy and Austria saw a meager 10% increase, they still lagged well behind Greece’s progress.
Greece’s growing attraction for Easter visitors emphasizes its ongoing appeal and competitiveness in European travel. Travelers are demonstrating their affection for the many options this season, whether it’s the appeal of Athens’ ancient alleyways, Thessaloniki’s energetic attitude, or even the less-traveled areas of Ioannina.
The numbers don’t lie for those choosing a mainland trip instead of the islands; Greece is showing it’s more than just its beaches.