Increasing demand, rising supply, but also concerns about the relative stagnation in occupancy: this is the brief picture of the Greek short-term rental market according to the latest AirDNA data for April 2025, obtained exclusively for its readers by BnBNews.The research, based on data from the largest platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo), outlines trends at a national level and in the country’s top tourist destinations ahead of the critical summer season.
Demand exceeds 2024 levels – but not supply
Greece recorded a significant increase in demand in April 2025 compared to the same month of 2024 (+27%) and 2019, and was close to European levels. At the same time, the number of active listings and available nights increased significantly (+8% and +21% respectively), outpacing the demand dynamics.
This means that occupancy – while increasing – does not follow the same pace of demand growth. This is a phenomenon of “oversupply” which can affect the viability of many accommodation establishments, particularly in mature markets.
The summer period starts with positive signs
On-the-books demand data for the period from 20 May to 31 August show that nationally, the summer season is forecast to be stronger than in 2024, with around 20% more bookings compared to the same period last year.
This enhanced momentum is attributed to the wider recognition of Greece as a safe, authentic and accessible destination, but also to the attractive prices that short-term rentals continue to offer compared to hotels.
Athens and Santorini: The “champions” of supply, but not of occupancy
Although overall the market is performing better, the two most mature markets – Athens and Santorini – are lagging behind in terms of occupancy for summer 2025. AirDNA explains that in these regions supply growth has significantly outpaced demand growth, resulting in occupancy not strengthening accordingly.
Santorini in particular seems to suffer from saturation, as the number of available accommodation and overnight stays for the summer has increased disproportionately with demand. Thus, in Santorini, 153,000 overnight stays have been booked while supply exceeds 438,000 nights. As a result, the occupancy rate is down by 11%, reaching only 35% (compared to 39% last year).
The picture is similar in Athens, where the explosive growth in supply has not been accompanied by a similar increase in bookings. In the capital, bookings have reached 422,000 overnight stays while supply exceeds 1.2 million nights. Thus, the occupancy rate seems down by 4%, also reaching 35% (compared to 37% last year).
In contrast, other destinations – such as Crete, Corfu and Rhodes – seem to achieve a more balanced supply and demand ratio, maintaining higher occupancy levels.
The strategic importance of revenue management
The current picture of the Greek market shows that professionals in the field need to turn to more sophisticated revenue management practices and dynamic pricing. As highlighted by AirDNA’s data, in conditions of increasing supply, only those who properly adjust their prices, leverage technological tools and invest in the guest experience can maintain or increase their revenues.
The use of tools such as pacing (rate of bookings compared to previous years) is now essential for those who wish to have a realistic view of demand and adjust their prices dynamically, avoiding the pitfalls of overpricing or undervalued revenue.
