Greece continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s leading tourism destinations, welcoming more international travellers in 2025 as visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States remained the country’s largest source markets. According to the latest figures released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Greece recorded 28.18 million international arrivals at hotels, campsites and other collective tourist accommodation establishments during the year, up from 27.38 million in 2024 and 26.28 million in 2023. While the pace of growth has moderated compared with the immediate post-pandemic recovery, the latest figures highlight sustained international demand for Greece’s islands, historic cities and coastal destinations.
The United Kingdom, Germany and the United States continue leading arrivals
The United Kingdom and Germany remained Greece’s two largest international visitor markets in 2025, reflecting the country’s long-standing popularity among European holidaymakers. The United States retained its position as Greece’s leading long-haul tourism market, continuing to generate strong demand for both leisure and cultural travel.
France and Italy completed the list of Greece’s five largest international accommodation markets. Together, these five countries accounted for nearly 49 percent of all international arrivals recorded at hotels, campsites and collective tourist accommodation facilities across Greece.
The concentration of visitors from established European and North American markets continues to support the country’s tourism sector throughout the year.
International arrivals continue rising across Greece
The latest ELSTAT figures show a steady upward trend in international tourism over the past three years. International accommodation arrivals increased from 26.28 million in 2023 to 27.38 million in 2024 before reaching 28.18 million in 2025.
The continued increase reflects stable demand across multiple travel segments, including beach holidays, cultural tourism, island escapes, cruises, luxury travel, family vacations and city breaks. Visitors continue choosing Greece for its combination of Mediterranean coastlines, archaeological landmarks, traditional villages and hospitality.
Although growth has become more measured compared with the rapid rebound following the pandemic, the tourism sector continues expanding on a solid foundation.
Greece offers diverse travel experiences throughout the year
Tourism remains one of Greece’s most important economic sectors because of the country’s broad range of destinations. Athens continues attracting visitors interested in ancient history, museums and urban culture, while Santorini and Mykonos remain among the Mediterranean’s best-known island destinations.
Crete offers beaches, archaeological sites and mountain villages, while Rhodes combines medieval heritage with coastal tourism. Thessaloniki continues welcoming visitors through cultural festivals, gastronomy and business travel.
Beyond these well-known destinations, travellers increasingly explore smaller islands, mainland villages and regional coastal communities, helping distribute tourism across a wider geographical area.
Accommodation sector reflects sustained tourism demand
Hotels, campsites and other collective accommodation providers continue benefiting from growing international visitor numbers. The latest ELSTAT statistics indicate that accommodation demand remains strong across multiple destination types, including islands, mainland cities and nature-based tourism regions.
Visitors are choosing a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to family-run guesthouses, holiday parks and camping facilities. The diversity of accommodation supports different travel budgets and preferences while contributing to local tourism economies throughout Greece.
The accommodation sector remains a key indicator of overall tourism performance across the country.
Accessibility continues supporting tourism growth
Greece maintains strong international connectivity through its network of airports, ferry services and road infrastructure. Athens International Airport serves as the country’s primary international gateway, while airports on Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and other islands provide direct seasonal and year-round connections with major European cities and selected long-haul markets.
Domestic flights and extensive ferry networks allow visitors to combine multiple islands and mainland destinations within a single itinerary. High-quality transport links continue supporting flexible travel planning for international visitors.
The country’s accessibility remains an important factor behind its continued popularity among overseas travellers.
Tourism supports local communities and regional economies
International tourism contributes to economic activity across Greece by supporting hotels, restaurants, transport providers, cultural attractions, tour operators and retail businesses. Seasonal employment and community-based tourism also benefit from continued visitor demand across both mainland Greece and the islands.
Regional destinations continue developing tourism experiences focused on gastronomy, outdoor recreation, wine tourism, cultural heritage and local traditions. These offerings encourage visitors to extend their stays while exploring areas beyond the country’s best-known attractions.
This wider distribution of tourism activity strengthens regional economies while expanding Greece’s tourism portfolio.
Looking ahead for Greece’s tourism sector
The latest ELSTAT figures demonstrate that Greece continues attracting growing numbers of international visitors despite the slower pace of expansion following the post-pandemic recovery period. Established source markets in Europe and North America remain central to the country’s tourism performance, while the diversity of destinations supports year-round travel opportunities.
Continued investment in tourism infrastructure, accommodation, transport connectivity and destination promotion is expected to reinforce Greece’s competitiveness within the Mediterranean travel market.
Conclusion
Greece welcomed 28.18 million international accommodation arrivals in 2025, continuing its upward tourism trajectory with the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States remaining its leading source markets. Supported by strong international connectivity, diverse destinations and a broad accommodation sector, Greece continues strengthening its position as one of Europe’s premier tourism destinations. As established markets maintain steady demand, the country’s islands, historic cities and coastal regions remain central to its sustained tourism growth.
