As the May Day holiday approaches, Greek travellers are showing a clear preference for domestic destinations, according to new data from Booking.com. The platform recorded a 19% increase in total searches by Greek users for accommodation between 30 April and 3 May 2026 compared to the same period last year, with the strongest growth concentrated within Greece itself.
Domestic Destinations on the Rise
Athens and Thessaloniki remain reliable choices, with search volumes up 5% and 14% respectively. But the most dramatic increases are in smaller cities and towns that offer a blend of history, nature, and local character. Nafpaktos, a coastal town in western Greece, saw searches jump by 137%, making it the fastest-growing destination. Monemvasia, the medieval fortress town in the Peloponnese, followed with an 88% increase, while Corfu recorded a 59% rise.
Traditional spring getaways also performed strongly. Nafplio, the former capital of Greece, saw an 84% increase, and Volos, the port city at the foot of Mount Pelion, rose by 53%. Kalamata, known for its olives and beaches, gained 46%, while Ioannina, the lakeside city in Epirus, held steady with a 5% uptick.
This shift toward less crowded, authentic destinations aligns with broader European travel trends. As Vrbo’s 2026 Holiday Homes of the Year also highlighted, travellers across the continent are increasingly seeking out unique, locally rooted experiences over generic tourist hubs.
International Choices: Mixed Signals
Among foreign destinations, Rome (+7%), Istanbul (+19%), and London (+16%) saw increased demand from Greek travellers. However, interest in some Central European capitals declined: Budapest fell by 18% and Vienna by 19%. The data suggests that these cities may be perceived more as winter holiday destinations, or that travellers are shifting preferences toward sunnier or more accessible options.
The May Day weekend, which falls on a Thursday in 2026, allows many Greeks to take a short break by combining the public holiday with the following weekend. Booking.com’s figures confirm the momentum of last-minute bookings and short trips, a pattern seen across Europe as flexible work arrangements become more common.
Greece’s appeal for domestic travel is also supported by ongoing efforts to protect its natural and cultural assets. The government recently expanded a ban on sunbeds to 251 beaches, aiming to preserve fragile coastlines from over-tourism. Such measures may further encourage travellers to explore lesser-known spots that offer a more sustainable and authentic experience.
Overall, the data underscores a growing preference among Greeks for short, accessible getaways that combine ease of travel with natural beauty and local flavour. As the holiday weekend approaches, destinations like Nafpaktos and Monemvasia are poised to welcome a surge of visitors seeking something beyond the usual city break.
