Clean Monday is once again proving to be a period of heightened travel activity, with a direct impact on both occupancy rates and accommodation prices. From major urban carnivals to destinations known for strong traditional festivities, demand for the long weekend has already largely “locked in,” creating conditions of limited availability and upward pressure on prices.
High occupancies in carnival destinations
According to data processed by Themistoklis Bakas, President of the Panhellenic Network E-Real Estates, the short-term rental market is recording high pre-booking rates during a period traditionally considered transitional for tourism, confirming the role of seasonal events as a key demand driver.
Patras: The strongest demand hub
The Patras Carnival remains the main driver of carnival-related travel demand. The opening ceremony, parades, and the burning of the Carnival King attract tens of thousands of visitors every year, a trend clearly reflected in market figures.
On the day of the opening ceremony, occupancy rates in short-term rentals reach 75%, while for the Parade Weekend pre-bookings are already close to 85%, significantly limiting available supply.
For the peak three-day period (arrival Friday, February 20 – departure Monday, February 23), accommodation costs in the city center are notably elevated: from €676 for a one-bedroom apartment in the Dasyllio area,
up to €2,292 for a two-bedroom apartment at the intersection of Maizonos and Korai streets, accommodating up to six guests.
Indicative of the pressure on availability is the fact that in the wider city center of Patras (from Agia Sofia to Skagiopouleio) only 45 properties are currently available on the well-known Airbnb platform, while from Exo Agia to Perivola there are 64 available listings.
More affordable options can be found in areas 20–25 minutes from the city center:
Vrachneika: €353–635 (2 BR)
Tsoukaleika: €545–668 (2 BR)
Rio: €565–916 (2 BR)
Agios Vasileios: €506–694 (3 BR)
Psathopyrgos: from €360 (1 BR)
Rethymno: High pre-bookings amid limited supply
Rethymno is one of Crete’s key carnival destinations, with the Old Town concentrating the highest demand. According to AirDNA data, 950 short-term rental properties are registered in the area.
Pre-bookings on Airbnb are approaching 86%, while for the Parade Weekend occupancy rates in short-term rentals are already at 70%. The cost of accommodation for the three-day period in the Old Town ranges from €271 to €459 for a self-contained residence.
Xanthi: The momentum of the Thracian Folklore Festivals
Xanthi is recording some of the highest demand levels of the period. During the Parade Weekend, pre-bookings reach 90%, significantly constraining available supply.
Accommodation costs for the three-day period range from €712 to €1,016 for a two-bedroom residence accommodating up to six guests.
Traditional customs: Sustained pressure on small markets
In destinations with a strong ritual and ceremonial character, market pressure is even more intense due to limited inventory:
Drama (Kali Vrysi – Babougera): 65% pre-bookings, cost €185–423
Naoussa (Janissaries and Boules): 100% occupancy in short-term rentals
Skyros (The Old Man and the Korela): three-day cost from €273
Tyrnavos (Bourani): accommodation mainly in Larissa, cost €150–300
Kozani (Fanoi): 98% pre-bookings, cost from €648 (1 BR)
