Top Greek destinations for short-term rentals during Easter

Last Easter was a milestone for Greek tourism, with demand exceeding all expectations. While initial estimates suggested a more moderate trend this year, early data indicate that momentum remains strong. Athens and Thessaloniki will once again be filled with international tourists, while the islands are experiencing increased demand from both Greek and foreign visitors.

The new Easter hotspots

Traditionally, destinations such as Naoussa in Paros and Tinos attract large numbers of visitors during Easter. However, this year, attention is shifting to three major islands that are expected to stand out:

Rhodes: A favorite among British and Scandinavian travelers, Rhodes recorded impressive arrival figures in 2024, surpassing 1 million air arrivals in August alone.

Crete: With its four distinct regions functioning as independent tourism hubs, Crete consistently ranks among the top destinations for both international and Greek travelers.

Corfu: A cosmopolitan destination with a strong culinary and cultural heritage, Corfu attracts high-income tourists and was among the top five airports in Greece for arrivals in 2024.

Predictions for the three main islands are that this year they will be filled with both Greek and foreign tourists during Easter.

The rapid rise of short-term rentals

The short-term rental market, particularly through platforms like Airbnb, is experiencing record-breaking growth. According to AirDNA data, Greece recorded a 45% increase in bookings in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Both Greek and international travelers booked their stays earlier than ever, with Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu leading the preferences.

Specifically, demand for Holy Week surged by 77%, while occupancy rates increased by 3%. Greece now ranks first in Europe for year-over-year booking growth (+45%), surpassing countries like Poland (+36%) and Norway (+35%).

Easter travel demand

This year’s Easter period is particularly significant, as Catholic and Orthodox Easter coincide on April 20. This has led to an explosive rise in bookings for coastal destinations, with Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu experiencing an increase of over 100% compared to the previous year.

At the same time, Greece’s two largest cities are seeing a significant surge in bookings. Athens has recorded a 40% increase, while Thessaloniki follows closely with 38%, reaffirming their status as top city-break destinations.

The growing demand for Greek destinations through short-term rental platforms highlights the strengthening trend of alternative accommodation choices. The continued appeal of Greek islands, coupled with strong airline arrival figures and the expanding Airbnb market, signals a particularly robust tourism season for Easter 2025.