The Greek short-term rentals market is moving in a positive direction in 2024, as reflected in official data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). Attica is the champion in the number of active accommodations, while overall the market shows an increased number of rental days and increased demand from foreign travelers.
More than 207,000 registered accommodation units – Attica dominates
According to ELSTAT, the total number of accommodation units that have completed their final registration in the Short Term Rentals Register exceeds 207,000. The Region of Attica takes the first place, hosting almost 60,000 Airbnb properties – i.e. almost 1/3 of the nationwide registration.
In second place is the South Aegean Region with around 30,000 properties, while in third place is Central Macedonia with 26,000. Crete occupies fourth place with 22,000 properties, while the Ionian Islands Region completes the top five with 19,000 properties.
The presence of the Peloponnese is also significant, with 14,000 properties. All other regions have less than 10,000 properties. Last on the list is Western Macedonia, which has just 597 properties – the only region with less than 1,000.
The rental days: Upward trend for the “big ones” and a surprise from the North Aegean
In terms of accommodation rental days for 2024, Attica is again at the top with 2.9 million days, an increase of 14.4% compared to 2023. Central Macedonia follows with 1.17 million days (+19.5%) and Crete with 951,000 days (+9.3%).
However, the most spectacular percentage change is in the North Aegean Region, with an increase of 52.1% and 129,000 days of rental. They are followed by:
Western Macedonia:+49.5%, with 22,000 days
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace:+32.9%, with 304,000 days
Regarding the regions’ share of the total number of leasing days in the country, the following stand out:
Attica: 36%
Central Macedonia: 14.3%
Crete: 11.6%
Foreigners “lead” the market – The interest of Greeks is declining
Foreign travellers dominate the mix of customers choosing short-term rental accommodation in Greece, accounting for 84.2% of rental days in 2024. The remaining 15.8% are Greek visitors.
The contribution of Greeks has been steadily declining in recent years, as the relative share has been steadily decreasing after the temporary “jump” of the pandemic year:
2019: 18,5%
2020: 28,1%
2021: 21,9%
2022: 17,1%
2023: 16%
2024: 15,8%
This decline reflects the return of foreign tourists after the pandemic, but also possible changes in travel preferences or the available purchasing power of Greeks.
Perspectives
ELSTAT data for 2024 confirm the growing importance of short-term rentals in the Greek tourist and residential reality. Attica, with high stock and growing demand, shows steady signs of becoming a metropolitan hub for short-term hospitality.
At the same time, the dynamics of regions such as the North Aegean and Western Macedonia indicate that new destinations are beginning to claim a share of the growing tourism pie. International demand remains the key driver of the industry, while the domestic market is showing signs of fatigue.
In any case, developments underline the need for strategic management of the phenomenon, which affects both tourism supply and local communities and the housing market.
