Greece Kicks Off Summer Season with Soaring Trinity Weekend Bookings

08:52 3/6/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greece is heading into a scorching early summer, with the Trinity long weekend marking the unofficial start of the holiday season and accommodation bookings soaring, particularly in popular destinations within driving distance of Athens and Thessaloniki.

Despite ferry ticket

discounts for families and large groups not taking effect until mid-June, heavy traffic is already anticipated on the islands.

Strong early-season domestic travel, especially from Greek residents, is playing a crucial role in bolstering the tourism sector, even with rising holiday package costs (up 9.8%), accommodation prices (up 3.1%), and restaurant prices (up 6.5%).

According to Eurostat data for the first quarter of 2025, Greece recorded a 3.25% year-on-year increase in total overnight stays at tourist accommodations, with a 2.88% rise in stays by domestic travelers.

The country significantly outpaced its southern European rivals, including Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Across the EU, overall overnight stays fell marginally by 0.2%, mainly due to shifts in the calendar, such as the timing of Easter and school breaks.

While the average per capita spending by foreign visitors has dipped by about 1%, likely due to shorter stays and smaller travel budgets, expectations remain high for another record-breaking season in terms of arrivals and revenue.

A market study by Pricefox analyzed popular getaways for the long weekend, focusing on budget-friendly options departing from Athens and Thessaloniki:

From Athens:Hydra: Just over an hour away by boat (€60 roundtrip), with total weekend costs estimated at €294 for two. A car-free island ideal for walking, seafood, and historic sights.Spetses: Travel and stay for around €250. Known for its cosmopolitan vibe, museums, and nearby Porto Heli beaches.Chalkida: The closest getaway at under an hour’s drive, costing about €191. Ideal for seaside strolls and visits to the Karababa Castle.Tolo: A two-hour drive and €157 total cost. Offers clean beaches and proximity to ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus.From Thessaloniki:Thassos: Travel time just over three hours; total trip cost about €209. Offers stunning beaches, mountain villages, and the unique Giola natural pool.Nikiti, Halkidiki: A 1.5-hour drive and €171 total. Known for charming villages and diverse beaches.Parga: Nearly four hours by car, at a cost of €249. Famous for its Venetian castle and river Acheron for hiking and rafting.Platamonas: About an hour’s drive and €164 total. Offers historical sights like the Platamon Castle and clear beaches near Mount Olympus.

As temperatures rise and international arrivals build momentum, Greece is leaning heavily on its domestic market to sustain tourism growth — at least until peak foreign visitor numbers kick in later this summer.

By Giorgos Pappous

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