Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a big one for Greece, with 28.2 million airline seats scheduled on international flights (INSETE). That’s a 4.6% increase compared to 2024. In short, Greece isn’t just ready for tourists—it’s rolling out a blue-and-white carpet.
But before you grab your suitcase, let’s break down what this means and how it’s all mapped out. Spoiler: the UK, the US, and some unlikely market players are making big moves. Oh, and fewer bookings from France.
Where Do Travelers Come From?
1. UK Is Still the MVP
Brits continue their reign as Greece’s top customers, accounting for 20% of incoming seats. With 5.6 million seats planned (a 2.2% bump from last year), Greece remains their sun-soaked escape because rain, tea, and traffic can’t get you far.
2. Germany: Hello, Second Place
With 4.7 million seats and a 2.5% increase, Germany takes the silver medal. Germans love order and reliability, and clearly, Greek beaches. They’re also sticking around, dominating 17% of the market share.
3. Italy Keeping It Consistent
Italy locks in third place with 2.5 million seats, boasting a solid 3.9% rise. Italians and Greeks might be cousins when it comes to culture, but the Italians aren’t skipping those Mykonos sunsets.
4. USA Climbing Fast
While not a heavyweight yet, the US is stirring the pot with a massive 18.6% increase, bringing its tally to 727,000 seats. Americans keep their passports active, and Greece is cashing in on their wanderlust.
5. Israel: Out Here Breaking Records
Hold the hummus—Israel’s increase is jaw-dropping. A 52.1% jump puts it at over 1.3 million seats, solidifying its place as a hot market. Greece is an easy sell when your neighbour is a couple of hours away by air.
6. Small Players Making Big Noise
Don’t sleep in countries like Georgia (+113%), Saudi Arabia (+45%), and Albania (+56%). While their base numbers are still small, their increases suggest they’re just starting. Nobody expected Georgia to cross 126,000 seats, but here we are.
7. France Just Isn’t Feeling It
Not every market’s a winner. France is heading the wrong way, posting a –2.6% drop with 1.7 million seats. Maybe they’re doubling down on baguettes and Bordeaux instead of souvlaki and Santorini.
Which Are the Most Popular Greek Summer 2025 Destinations?
Airports across Greece are seeing varying levels of growth—or decline—in available airline seats.
1. Thessaloniki: Skyrocketing with +11.4%
If you’re rooting for a winner, Thessaloniki holds the gold medal. A jaw-dropping 11.4% jump means this coastal gem now boasts 2.3 million seats. Clearly, everyone and their cousin wants a slice of the Thessaloniki life. Could it be their incredible waterfronts or the mouthwatering koulouri (seriously, Google it)? Either way, Thessaloniki’s slaying it in the airline seat game.
2. Athens: Dominating with +8.3%
Athens is on another level—literally. It added a whopping 10 million airline seats. Tourists can’t get enough of its ancient ruins and chaotic charisma. Sure, navigating Athens traffic is like playing Frogger with your actual life, but what’s a little chaos when you’re chasing the Parthenon?
3. Chania: Quietly Winning with +5.6%
Chania put on its quiet achiever hat and grabbed a 5.6% increase, adding 1.4 million seats. Located on the always-stunning island of Crete, this charming city effortlessly attracts travelers looking for crystal-clear waters and ridiculously drool-worthy Greek cuisine. That combination? It’s a no-brainer.
4. Corfu: Crushtastic with +5.1%
With a 5.1% bump translating to 2.3 million seats, Corfu has firmly cemented itself as a go-to destination for sunseekers and history buffs alike. Is there anything more cinematic than lounging in Corfu while pretending you’re the main character in a Mediterranean drama? Spoiler: No.
5. Rhodes: Rock-Steady with +2.4%
Rhodes added 2.9 million seats—an above-average increase of 2.4%. Its mix of mythological history and Instagram-worthy beaches continues to draw travelers like moths to a flame. No one here is shocked. Rhodes has always been a crowd-pleaser, and she doesn’t even have to try that hard.
6. Mykonos: Marginal, but Still Fabulous (+0.9%)
Mykonos only squeezed out a modest 0.9% growth, bringing its total to 650,000 seats. But let’s be honest—Mykonos doesn’t need big numbers to shine. Everyone still wants their make-believe jet-set moment on its pristine beaches. It’s proof that sometimes minimal effort still slays.
7. Heraklion: Barely Hanging In (+0.2%)
Heraklion eked out a paltry 0.2% increase, now boarding 3.7 million seats. Guess not everyone got the memo about Crete being awesome. Heraklion’s got some stiff competition thanks to Chania hogging the attention, so the struggle for travel love is real. It deserves more, though—just saying.
8. Kos: Holding On (+0.1%)
Kos clings to growth with a mere 0.1%, sitting at 1.4 million seats. Honestly, blink, and you’d miss the change. But hey, Kos has charm: historical landmarks, sandy beaches, a laidback vibe—it just has to try a bit harder to stand out in this travel-hungry crowd.
9. Santorini: Free-Falling with -11.6%
Okay, here’s the tea. Santorini—yes, the postcard darling—saw a massive 11.6% drop, landing at 754,000 seats. What happened? The earthquake swarms earlier this year take the blame.
10. Zakynthos: Slight Dip with -1.5%
Zakynthos also took an “L” this season, dropping 1.5% to end up with 1 million seats. Island hopping may still be a thing for Greece travelers, but Zakynthos feels like it just got benched.
This increase in airline seats is great news—if it’s handled right. Greece is in the spotlight, but with it comes higher expectations. Tourists want more than just Instagrammable views. They want good infrastructure, value for money, and some peace from overtourism.
