Short-term rentals in Greece are becoming an increasingly important channel for absorbing international tourism demand, with foreign visitors accounting for nearly nine out of every ten rental days in accommodation properties operating through digital platforms.
The latest data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) for 2025 highlights a major shift in the composition of demand. Out of a total of 8.65 million rental days recorded in short-term rental accommodation, 7.33 million were generated by international visitors, representing 84.8% of the total.
In comparison, domestic visitors accounted for 1.32 million rental days, representing 15.2% of total activity.
This picture confirms that Greece’s short-term rental market has now evolved into a predominantly international tourism product. Its growth is driven primarily by attracting travelers from abroad rather than by domestic demand.
8.65 million rental days in 2025
Overall, 2.49 million declarations were recorded for short-term rental accommodation in 2025, compared to 2.33 million in 2024, marking an increase of 7.1%.
Rental days increased by 4.7%, rising from 8.26 million in 2024 to 8.65 million in 2025.
This increase follows an impressive growth trajectory over recent years. Rental days rose from 1.75 million in 2020 to 3.21 million in 2021, 5.52 million in 2022, 7.16 million in 2023, and 8.26 million in 2024, before reaching a new record high of 8.65 million in 2025.
However, the market’s growth rate now appears considerably more moderate compared with the first years of rapid expansion. At the same time, the average rental duration remained unchanged at 3.5 days per declaration.
This development indicates that the market continues to grow primarily through a higher volume of bookings and visitor arrivals rather than through longer average stays.
International demand continues to drive the market
The short-term rental sector’s dependence on international visitors has steadily increased over the past few years.
In 2020, foreign visitors accounted for 71.9% of rental days. This share increased to 78.1% in 2021, 82.9% in 2022, 83.5% in 2023, 84.3% in 2024, and has now reached 84.8% in 2025.
Rental days generated by international visitors increased by 5.3% compared with 2024, reaching 7.33 million. By contrast, rental days generated by domestic visitors increased by just 1.4%.
The difference in growth rates reflects the distinct dynamics of the two markets. Short-term rentals continue to attract Greek travelers, but inbound tourism remains the primary driver of the sector’s growth.
This trend has become particularly significant as Greek tourism has substantially expanded its international customer base in recent years. The increase in foreign arrivals is creating demand for more and different types of accommodation beyond the traditional hotel offering.
Within this environment, accommodation listed on digital platforms has become one of the main channels through which part of Greece’s tourism demand is being absorbed.
Attica leads the market, while regional areas show strong growth
Attica continues to be the largest short-term rental market in Greece.
In 2025, it recorded 2.999 million rental days, representing 34.7% of the country’s total. However, the increase compared with 2024 was limited to just 0.8%.
This development indicates that the capital’s market is entering a more mature phase, following the strong growth recorded in previous years.
At the same time, several regions across Greece are recording significantly higher growth rates.
Rental days increased by:
- 22.8% in the North Aegean
- 21.1% in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
- 11.8% in Central Greece
- 10.7% in Epirus
- 9.3% in Central Macedonia
- 8.5% in Thessaly
Central Macedonia is the second-largest market in the country, with 1.29 million rental days and a 14.9% share of the national total.
It is followed by Crete with 973,576 rental days, the South Aegean with 910,644 days, and the Ionian Islands with 761,093 days.
The overall picture shows that short-term rental growth is beginning to spread across a wider part of the country. Although Attica, Crete, the South Aegean and the Ionian Islands continue to account for a significant share of demand, several regional markets are recording higher growth rates.
August remains the peak month
Seasonality continues to be a defining characteristic of the market.
In 2025, 68.1% of total rental days were concentrated during the five-month period from June to October.
August remains the leading month, accounting for 18.8% of total rental days. It is followed by July with 17% and September with 13.1%.
The picture differs slightly between Greek and international visitors. Domestic travelers show a greater distribution of demand outside the peak summer period, while international demand is clearly more concentrated between June and October.
In August, international visitors generated 1.38 million rental days, while domestic visitors accounted for 244,826 rental days.
203,122 properties in the registry
The market’s momentum is also reflected in the number of properties registered in the Short-Term Rental Property Registry.
Based on the Registry’s data in March 2026, the total number of properties with a finalized registration reached 203,122.
Attica ranks first with 56,557 properties, followed by Central Macedonia with 29,087, the South Aegean with 28,683, Crete with 21,231, and the Ionian Islands with 18,656.
The geographical distribution shows that short-term rentals now have a strong presence throughout Greece, with particularly high concentration both in major urban centers and in popular tourist destinations.
It should be noted that ELSTAT records the Property Registration Numbers that have been finalized in the Registry and not only the properties that are currently active as short-term rental accommodation.
In any case, ELSTAT’s data highlight a market that has changed significantly compared with the early years of its development. Short-term rentals are no longer simply an alternative form of accommodation for Greek travelers or an activity limited to a few tourist areas.
With 8.65 million rental days and foreign visitors accounting for 84.8% of the total, short-term rentals have now become one of the main channels through which international tourism demand is converted into accommodation in Greece.
The next major challenge for the market is whether growth will continue to come mainly from the volume of foreign visitors or whether short-term rentals will manage to further expand demand beyond the peak summer season and the already established tourist destinations.
