Airbnb: Favorite Destinations in Greece for the Greeks

Elounda, Crete. Photo source: Airbnb

Greeks are eager to get away this summer according to booking trends released this week by Airbnb with searches for short stays in the countryside, on the beach, seaside, by national parks, and with stunning views on the rise.

Trending destinations for Greek travelers this year include Paris, Lille and Monaco driven by interest in the 2024 Olympic Games and the European Football Championship.

At the same time, all the more Greeks are looking for short-term rentals that include experiences while families are looking for outdoor spaces and seaside stays.

Indicatively, searches in Airbnb’s “Play” category are up by 214 percent for the summer. “Play” includes listings for basketball courts, game rooms, trampolines, and water slides, among others. The number of searches for outdoor amenities like pools and barbecues is also up by 13.7 percent for family trips.

Antiparos, Greece.

According to a recent poll, 48 percent of Greek users say that being able to accommodate their entire family in one place is a determining factor when making bookings with 64 percent saying that amenities such as kitchens, workspaces, and yards also affect decision-making.

The top destinations in Greece based on online searches by Greek travelers from January to March 15 for accommodation in June, July and August, are Donousa, Vassiliki (Lefkada), and Schisma (Elounda, Crete).

Other favorites this year include Lipsi, Antiparos, Laganas (Zakynthos), Asprovalta (Thessaloniki), Makrys Gyalos (Crete). City destinations include Marousi and Halandri near Athens.

Donousa, Greece.

Leading water-related destinations for Greek families this summer according to Airbnb include Nea Potidaia, Serifos, Golden Beach, Limeni, Antiparos, Gytheio, Samos, Paleochora, Ilia, and Asprovalta.

Based on the same data, 64 percent of Greek users believe that traveling through Airbnb provides a closer connection to the local culture compared to staying in a hotel or resort.