The summer of 2024 emphatically confirmed the strength of Greece’s short-term rental market, with millions of overnight stays recorded across the country. According to the latest data, during the peak season from July to September 2024, the total number of overnight stays in Airbnb-type accommodations in Greece exceeded the impressive threshold of 25 million, clearly highlighting the regions that dominate the national tourism map.
The key players
An analysis of the available data reveals a clear ranking of destinations that attracted the most interest from visitors choosing short-term rentals for their stay. Leading the list by far was the South Aegean, recording 5.35 million overnight stays. The region’s stunning islands, natural beauty, and wide range of accommodation options continue to make it an undisputed tourist magnet.
In second place were the Ionian Islands, with 4.88 million overnight stays. Their unique beaches, rich history, and distinctive character reinforce their position among Greece’s top destinations.
Crete secured third place with 4.59 million overnight stays. Greece’s largest island, with its diverse landscapes, archaeological significance, and renowned hospitality, remains one of the most popular locations for short-term rentals.
City breaks on the rise
Two of Greece’s major urban centers also posted strong performances. Attica recorded 3.41 million overnight stays, reaffirming its role as both an entry gateway and a destination rich in cultural and historical attractions, as well as a starting point for exploring nearby regions. Thessaloniki, on the other hand, attracted 3.33 million overnight stays, showcasing its growing tourism appeal, dynamic urban character, and acclaimed gastronomy.
Rising destinations
Further down the rankings, the Peloponnese recorded 1.17 million overnight stays, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace saw 1.10 million, and Thessaly counted 828,000. These regions are experiencing notable short-term rental activity, offering alternative tourism experiences and natural beauty.
On the flip side, the areas with the lowest demand for short-term rental accommodations during the examined period were Western Macedonia, with just 16,830 overnight stays, and Western Greece, with 239,987 overnight stays.
However, a significant shift in growth trends is worth noting. Despite not ranking among the top destinations in absolute numbers, the North Aegean recorded the most impressive increase in overnight stays, reaching 58.69% growth compared to the same period in 2023. Western Macedonia also saw a notable increase of 27.82%, suggesting the emerging potential of regions that have traditionally been outside the mainstream tourism spotlight and possibly signaling the rise of new travel hotspots.
Europe’s performance
Across Europe, the upward trend in short-term rentals was even more pronounced throughout 2024. According to Eurostat data, 854.1 million overnight stays were recorded in short-term rental accommodations within the European Union via major platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, Expedia Group, and TripAdvisor. This figure represents a significant 18.8% increase compared to 2023, when stays totaled 719 million. The sector’s resilience and continued expansion are evident in the fact that, apart from April, every month of 2024 surpassed the demand of the corresponding month in 2023, demonstrating the impressive recovery and growth of short-term rentals across Europe.
