Against the lively backdrop of summer vacation plans, new data from Home To Go, the global vacation rental platform known for its vast library of listings, has added fresh fuel to dreams of blue seas and whitewashed villages. In its latest breakdown, the company analyzed millions of searches to identify the destinations that attract the largest spike in interest from travelers in the United States for 2025. The results sketch a clear picture: American travelers are turning their attention east, with the Greek islands surging to the top.
Crete anchors itself firmly in the spotlight, taking second place among international locations with an eye-catching 390% jump in travel search interest from U.S. users. Not far behind, Naxos captures hearts and fifth place, seeing searches climb by 327%. The top five also features popular Spanish spots, with Alicante at the summit, while Lanzarote and Menorca round out third and fourth.
American travelers have shown a growing appreciation for Greece’s diversity. Crete’s sprawling beaches, wild mountains, and lively towns have gained a reputation as a destination that offers something for every taste and travel budget. Each village holds secrets waiting to be discovered, from tucked-away coves to timeworn ruins hidden among olive groves.
Official Home To Go data reveals notable growth in search demand for several Greek islands:
- Crete: +390% increase in American search interest
- Naxos: +327%
- Lefkada: +189%
- Zakynthos: +175% This momentum reflects deeper trends in U.S. travel spending. Based on recent figures reported by the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), American visitors now rank among the top five groups for on-island spending, with average daily expenses rising:
- Accommodations: $110-180 per night
- Dining and entertainment: $80-150 per day
- Activities and tours: $45-90 daily. These precise numbers illuminate not just volume, but the quality of visitor experiences sought.
More Than Sand and Sea
Home To Go’s insight captures a turning point in Greek tourism, shaped by American curiosity for places that blend natural beauty, cultural depth, and approachable luxury. While many still flock to metropolitan capitals, the pulse of travel is beating stronger on the islands, where the everyday pace is gentle but adventures can be as lively or secluded as anyone wishes. Crete remains a touchstone for travelers craving variety—here, farm-rich valleys sit beside busy coastal promenades, and ancient ruins peek out from the landscape.
Efforts to share these stories abroad have not gone unnoticed. Naxos earned a spot in Forbes’ recommended destinations for travelers seeking unique experiences alongside Athens, and recently topped the list of best authentic Greek islands on both Islands.com and MSN.com.
Even in the lesser-trodden corners, Greece’s allure pulls in new generations of American travelers. Lefkada and Zakynthos fill out Home To Go’s top 10, both shining with their lush coastlines and vibrant local scenes. Greece’s consistent appearance in the rankings speaks to a growing confidence: American guests are ready to trade predictability for adventure and the comfort of heartfelt hospitality.
The appeal of the Greek islands lies in the promise of discovery. With every season, more American travelers are spending longer days, wandering further off the map, and weaving themselves into the rhythms of island life—proof that sometimes the world’s biggest treasures are found just where the Aegean meets the horizon.
