Strong Demand for Airbnbs in Greece Over October 28 Holiday Weekend

Occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Greece are expected to reach 85 to 90 percent over the long national holiday weekend of October 28, according to recent data.

Referred to by Greeks as “Ohi Day” (No Day), October 28 commemorates the rejection by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s 1940 ultimatum. It is traditionally the first holiday after summer, drawing many people to Greece’s mountainous regions.

Rising demand and supply of short-term rentals

Data from Airbnb, released by the E-real Estates – Panhellenic Network of Real Estate, indicates a notable increase in both demand and supply of short-term rental properties, especially in Greek mountain destinations, compared to 2023.

Popular destinations are seeing a rise in available short-term rentals this fall, with Arachova up by 11 percent, Ioannina by 30 percent, Karpenissi by 27 percent, Kastoria by 45 percent, and the coastal town of Kalamata also up by 11 percent.

Mountain destinations in high demand this October

Photo source: Airbnb

In terms of rental prices, the northern town of Ioannina in the Epirus region emerges as the most expensive destination for the long weekend from Friday, October 25, to Monday, October 28. Prices for an apartment or house accommodating up to six people start at 799 euros for three nights, with Ioannina reporting a 98 percent occupancy rate as of early October.

Metsovo, another Epirus destination, has rates beginning at 793 euros for three nights, with an occupancy rate of 85 percent. The highest rates recorded for similar accommodations were in Edessa at 864 euros for three nights, followed by Arachova at 851 euros, and Kalavryta, where prices can reach up to 730 euros.

Peloponnese destinations lead in popularity

Dimitsana, Peloponnese.

Small, traditional mountain villages in the Peloponnese, such as Dimitsana, Karytena, Zatouna, Elliniko, and Lagadia, have reached 100 percent occupancy rates for the holiday weekend.

Other popular destinations with occupancy rates above 85 percent include Kalambaka at 98 percent, Kastoria and Florina at 97 percent, Grevena at 95 percent, and Karpenissi at 92 percent. Levidi follows with a 90 percent occupancy rate, Edessa with 89 percent, and Kalavryta with 86 percent.

In contrast, Kalamata in southern Peloponnese offers the most budget-friendly options, with short-term rental prices for up to six people ranging from 195 to 380 euros for three nights.