Greeks Show High Demand for Christmas Travel – Top Destinations Revealed

Photo source: AEGEAN

This holiday season, Greeks are embracing the festive spirit with a strong desire to travel, as evidenced by high booking numbers for both international and domestic flights.

Data from Greek carrier Aegean Airlines (AEGEAN) reveals a significant uptick in travel compared to last year, with several traditional and emerging destinations gaining popularity.

International travel trends

Christmas in Vienna, Austria.

According to the data, European capitals remain a favorite choice for Greeks this Christmas. Destinations like Vienna, Paris, and Geneva have returned to the top of the list, boasting impressive occupancy rates of up to 90 percent on AEGEAN flights. These cities have long been associated with magical holiday markets and festive charm, making them timeless choices for winter getaways.

Meanwhile, less traditional but equally captivating locations are gaining ground. Cities like Krakow, Oslo, and Helsinki are proving increasingly popular, offering unique winter experiences for adventurous travelers.

A closer look at AEGEAN’s data highlights the top international destinations from its Athens and Thessaloniki hubs:

From Athens: Lisbon, Geneva, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Paris.
From Thessaloniki: Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich.

Long-distance destinations on the rise

While European cities dominate, interest in long-haul travel is also noteworthy. According to travel agencies, exotic destinations like Vietnam, Japan, Cuba, and Brazil have captured the imagination of Greek travelers. These far-flung locales offer an escape from the European winter and a chance to explore vibrant cultures and warmer climates.

Domestic travel preferences

Photo source: Municipality of Chania

On the domestic front, travel demand is slightly lower but still robust, with professionals and students traveling for the holidays contributing to the numbers. Top domestic destinations this year include Heraklion, Alexandroupoli, Ioannina, Mytilene, and Rhodes for travelers departing from Athens. From Thessaloniki, popular choices include Rhodes, Chania, Mytilene, Heraklion, and Chios.

The busiest travel days for domestic flights are expected to be Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21, when occupancy rates from Athens exceed 80 percent and those from Thessaloniki surpass 90 percent. Similarly, high demand is anticipated around New Year’s Eve, with peak travel days on December 28 and 29.

Key trends and emerging patterns

While traditional destinations continue to draw the most bookings, this year’s data also reflects an openness to exploring newer, less conventional options. For instance, Krakow and Oslo have seen significant growth in interest, offering travelers a chance to experience distinct cultural and seasonal offerings.

AEGEAN has responded to increased demand by adding 5 percent more seats across its domestic and international networks compared to last year, ensuring greater availability for those eager to celebrate the holidays away from home.

Christmas in Kraków Old Town, Poland.

Last-minute planning

For those still planning their holidays, last-minute deals may be found on flights to cities like Istanbul, Naples, Rome, and Amsterdam from Athens or Milan, Brussels, and Amsterdam from Thessaloniki. These destinations, while not at the very top of the preference list, remain popular choices for spontaneous travelers.