Lesser-known Greek Isles Win Over the Crowds for August 15 Holiday

Lesser-known Greek islands will be winning over the crowds for the August 15 holiday in Greece next week which marks the peak season for Greek vacationers.

More specifically, according to property market experts Panhellenic Network of E-Real Estates, destinations such as Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Skiathos, Skopelos, Naxos, Kythnos, Syros, Patmos, Andros, Tinos, and islands near Attica, such as Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Kea, are expecting full occupancy levels for the week ahead based on Airbnb-style pre-bookings.

Availability of short-term holidays rentals on all of the island destinations mentioned above has increased as have prices. E-Real Estates analysts attribute the demand for less popular holiday spots to soaring prices and increasing crowds at traditional high-in-demand destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini.

According to data, for the August 15 week and based on online bookings for short-term tourist rentals, occupancy will reach 95-99 percent across all island destinations in Greece.

In the same period, however, bookings for Mykonos are down to 84 percent compared to 94 percent a year ago. Airbnb-style availability is at 3,849 properties from 3,536 last year with five-night stays for a four-member family on the island going for 1,187 euros compared to 1,736 euros in 2022.

Reservations for Santorini are at 95 percent down from 98 percent in 2022 with prices for a five-night stay starting at 790 euros against 1,642 euros last year. Demand is also down for Paros, with occupancy reaching 94 percent compared to 99 percent a year ago.