Greeks Choosing Islands, Peloponnese for Holy Spirit Weekend

Photo source: Aegean Islands

Greeks are heading to the islands and to the Peloponnese for the Holy Spirit (Agiou Pnevmatos) three-day holiday (June 21-24) this week with Airbnbs and hotels almost fully booked.

Top destinations for holidaymakers include Kalamata, where prebookings for short stays are at 80 percent. Average going rates for three nights start at 266 euros. Other favorites include Nafplio, Kiato, Xylokastro, Monemvasia, Nafpaktos, Oropos, and Oitilo.

According to market insiders, the high cost of ferry tickets this year, which are up by 40 percent, has driven many travelers to choose mainland destinations for the three-day weekend.

At the same time, short-term tourist rentals on popular islands are also fully booked. Winners include the Saronic islands which are near Athens.

Islands high in demand include Hydra, where prebookings for Airbnbs is at 94 percent, Kythnos  (86 percent), and Aegina (84 percent), as well as Spetses, Kea, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini and Paros.

“Mainland destinations are a one-way street for many, particularly those that are within two or two-and-half hours from their primary residence. Already in mainland Greece, pre-bookings are over 70 percent and in the next few days are set to reach 100 percent,” said Themistoklis Bakas, president of the Pan-Hellenic Real Estate Network E- Real Estates.