New data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) for 2025 shows a clear shift in Greek travel habits: short breaks of one to three nights recorded the strongest growth, rising 26.7% year-on-year to 2.1 million trips. Overnight stays for these trips increased by 27.8%, while spending climbed 21.6%. The trend suggests that Greeks are increasingly opting for quick getaways, though longer holidays still hold a significant share of the market.
Trips lasting four to seven nights remain the largest category, accounting for 41.5% of all personal trips, but their growth was limited to 9.8%. Meanwhile, holidays of 15 nights or more saw only a 1.6% increase, yet they still represent more than half of all overnight stays, indicating that long vacations continue to carry weight in overall travel patterns.
Over-65s Drive Travel Growth
A notable demographic shift is the surge in travel among citizens aged 65 and older. The number of people in this group who made at least one personal trip rose by 24%, and the total number of trips by this age group increased by 28.5%. Their spending was up 21%, and overnight stays rose by 12.1%. Travellers over 65 now account for 16.6% of personal trips but concentrate 28.7% of all overnight stays, suggesting they tend to stay longer at destinations than younger age groups.
This trend aligns with broader European patterns of active ageing and increased mobility among retirees. In Greece, where the population is ageing rapidly, the data underscores the economic importance of this demographic for the tourism sector.
Overall Travel and Spending on the Rise
In total, 4.56 million residents aged 15 and over made at least one personal trip in 2025. The number of personal trips increased by 13.7% to 7.93 million, while overnight stays rose by 7.4% to 73.3 million. Total spending reached €3.68 billion, up 13.3% from the previous year. Food and drink was the largest spending category, absorbing 32.1% of the total, followed by transport, other expenses, and accommodation.
Domestic destinations remain the primary choice, with 85% of personal trips taking place within Greece. However, international travel grew at a faster pace, up 18.8% compared with 12.8% for domestic trips. Italy was the most popular destination outside Greece, followed by Albania, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
Despite the rise in short breaks, seasonality remains pronounced. August alone accounted for 31.3% of personal trips and 34.9% of overnight stays, and together with July represented almost half of all trips made in 2025. This concentration poses challenges for sustainable tourism development, as destinations struggle with overcrowding during peak months.
The data also highlights broader European trends. For instance, the growth in short breaks mirrors patterns seen in other EU member states, where flexible work arrangements and low-cost carriers have made weekend getaways more accessible. Meanwhile, the increase in travel among older Greeks reflects a continent-wide shift, as retirees in countries like Germany, France, and Italy increasingly prioritise travel in their later years.
As Greece continues to navigate its role as a top Mediterranean destination, these insights could inform policy decisions on tourism infrastructure, seasonal diversification, and targeted marketing to older travellers. The ELSTAT data offers a snapshot of a nation on the move, with short breaks setting the tone for a dynamic travel landscape.
