The Greek visitor economy is booming. According to figures from the first third of 2026, Greek travel receipts rose by €752.9 million, or 36.9%, to hit €2.79 billion, and travel payments increased by 14% to €1.13 billion. Overall, Greek revenue from inbound international tourists (travel exports) exceeded its own residents’ travel spend abroad (travel imports) by €1.66 billion, an increase of 58% from €1.05 billion during the same period of 2025.

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Among all that visitor spending, sales of sun hats are up, according to local sellers around the Acropolis, which last year attracted 4.6 million visitors. Demand for protective headwear is being driven by mercury in the high 30°Cs and the lack of shade at some of Athens’ ancient sites, as well as by Red Cross volunteers positioned in key locations, warning people about the risk of heatstroke and skin damage, and offering water, sunscreen, and caps.

In shops and kiosks, the range of hats is endless, from bucket hats to baseball caps adorned with animal patches and novelty slogans, to the classic Panama and straw boater. Hat retailers in the Greek capital have told the press that visitors are taking sun protection more seriously when selecting their hat, buying items for their anti-UV rating and shade-giving qualities, rather than their fashion credentials or look. Sun hats for sale on the central Syntagma Square are reportedly priced up to €20, though disposable pulped paper headgear can be had more cheaply, and for the more discerning customer, more artisanal options exist for up to €100.

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Despite the heatwaves and national discourse about wildfire danger and power supply concerns, Greece’s popularity does not appear to be letting up. Recent results from a rolling survey by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) position Greece as the third most popular Mediterranean destination for European travellers, with 29% of respondents saying they intend to visit the Hellenic Republic by May 2027.

The survey results also reveal another way prospective visitors to Greece are avoiding the heat – by opting to travel during the cooler “shoulder seasons.” A trend towards non-peak travel can be seen in the GNTO data, with approximately 35% of people polled saying they were planning to travel to Greece between September and November 2026, and as many as 23% preferring September.

L’article Sunhat sales surge in Athens as scorching summer heat sweeps Greece est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The aptly named Revery – from the French rêverie, or daydream – offers just 24 rooms divided into two categories: The Revery Wild and The Revery Suites.

The Revery Wild are Greece’s first safari-inspired tented pavilions. Starting at 40 square metres, and blending into the coastal vegetation, they are designed to immerse guests in the beauty and spirit of nature while cocooning in the utmost in eco-luxury. They feature spacious decks and hydrotherapy pools.

Higher up the hillside, the 53-square-metre Revery Suites offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, which blend with the private, heated, infinity pools.

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Both options provide almost complete privacy. The hotel welcomes guests aged 12 and above only.

In addition, a 285-square-metre Revery Villa is available, sleeping up to six guests or families. It has two floors of indoor and outdoor living space and its own infinity pool.

The hotel was imagined by local architect Eirini Apostolaki of Archtify, and the interiors designed by Athens-based Sophia Vantaraki, of ThingK. Their design leans into natural tones, wooden finishes and a raw, understated aesthetic, with the aim being to create rooms that feel calm without losing their sense of grandeur.

Every detail seems conceived to make the retreat an almost indiscernible part of its surroundings. The atmosphere created invites travellers to simply sit down and stare. At the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean stretching below, at the olive groves covering the hills surrounding them, and the seemingly infinite skies above.

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An extra dose of wellbeing beckons at the ROEÉ Spa, or flow in Greek It has four treatment rooms and a thermal area with a sauna, a steam room, and hot and cold baths. A sea-facing gym and an outdoor yoga deck allow guests to greet the day with a sun salutation.

Fílema, a Greek word associated with sharing food and hospitality, serves all meals prepared using traditional family recipes and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.

The Revery is not just in harmony with nature; it was designed with sustainability at its core. Its low-impact design incorporates natural ventilation, solar energy, water-saving systems, biological wastewater treatment, and low-pollution lighting.

Stone excavated from the site was reused in the buildings, and any native flora that was uprooted was carefully replanted before construction began. Pathways follow the natural contours of the land.

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The grounds also house an eighty-year-old chapel dedicated to St Anthony, which has been carefully preserved.

This idyllic location is perfect for romantic getaways, solo retreats or nature-bonding trips with friends.

Guests tempted to explore the surroundings can visit the beaches of Elafonissi, Kedrodasos, Falasarna and Balos, but also go on guided hikes through local canyons, take 4×4 discovery safaris, windsurf or kitesurfing, or take private boat and fishing trips. Local artisans will also lead craft workshops.

The Revery is around two hours by road from Chania International Airport, which offers direct flights to Brussels, London, Berlin, Vienna and Milan, among other destinations.

The hotel opened in August 2026 and operates seasonally from March to November, with rates starting at €600 per night.

L’article New boutique hotel offers a secluded escape on Crete’s western coast est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In what is being taken as a double endorsement, more than half (58%) of those planning a trip would be return visitors to Greece, having already been there at least once, while 42% would be first-time visitors. Andreas Fiorentinos, secretary general of the Greek National Tourism Organization, said the finding confirms Greece has “both the trust of those who have already visited it and the interest of new audiences.”

The variety of experiences on offer across the country emerged as travellers’ favourite aspect of Greece, cited by 83% of respondents. That was followed closely by the warmth of the local welcome (82%) and safety (77%). Tourist infrastructure (75%) and value for money (67%) were also perceived favourably.

A trend towards travel during Europe’s “shoulder seasons” also emerges from the results. Approximately 35% of people polled said they were planning to travel to Greece between September and November 2026, with as many as 23% preferring September. After a summer in which Europe has grappled with heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, travel consumers may well have cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in mind.

The findings are based on responses from 7,896 travellers aged 18 to 64 from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Greece’s popularity spans the region, with the highest intent to travel there among Romanians (45%), Italians (38%) and Swedes (37%).

Although the rankings of other countries in the survey have not been revealed by the Greek authorities, the figures reinforce previous reporting by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which found that Greece recorded stronger growth in visitor arrivals (+38.3%) than Italy and Malta in the first months of 2026.

The country may also have received a popularity boost in early summer after it unilaterally decided to waive new European Entry/Exit System requirements for British arrivals due to operational issues and delays seen across the bloc’s travel hubs.

In addition, Greece has introduced a so-called “door visa” for Turkish visitors, facilitating visas on arrival for Turkish travellers to 12 Greek islands (Chios, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leros, Lesvos, Limnos, Patmos, Rhodes, Samos, Samothraki and Symi), all situated close to the Turkish coast. The policy has driven 25% growth in Turkish arrivals to the Hellenic Republic since 2024, Bank of Greece data shows

L’article Nearly one in three European travellers plans to visit Greece by May 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Every year, the Greek Ministry of Culture organises a special free night opening coinciding with the full moon. In 2026, the event is set to take place on Friday 28 August, from approximately 7:30 pm until midnight. Visitors will not only be able to freely access 126 ancient sites across the country, many of which will be organising concerts or guided tours to celebrate the occasion, but they will also get to enjoy those places under a particular light.

“For the 27^th consecutive year, the August Full Moon unites archaeological sites, museums and monuments of Greece in a great celebration of culture. We invite you to participate in this unique experience this year and enjoy the magic of the night and the special atmosphere that the moonlight creates in the monuments of our country,” stated the Greek Ministry of Culture.

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The event includes some of Greece’s most-visited ancient sites, including the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The while regular admission fees will apply to the permanent collection, the museum will stay open until midnight and visitors will gain free admission to the temporary exhibition ‘Inspiration: Ancient Greek Art in Italy’.

Some of the other most famous sites include the sanctuary and town of Delphi, known for its Oracle at the Temple of Apollo, and Ancient Olympia. The site and the museum of the birthplace of the Olympic Games will remain open until midnight, with archaeologists organising guided tours.

However, visitors are encouraged not to solely concentrate on the country’s most famous sites. For example, in an interview with Euronews, Bnbstay founder Yahya Davud recommended visiting the Necromanteion of Acheron in Epirus. The sanctuary overlooking the River Acheron was once thought to be the entrance to the underworld. People would therefore travel to the Necromanteion to talk with the spirits of the dead.

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“Everything in this place was built around darkness and rituals, so a night-time visit during a full moon is not just a spectacular tourist attraction. In fact, this kind of experience is much closer to how this place was meant to be experienced than a visit in the middle of the day,” said Davud.

Aside from Ancient sites, some of Greece’s newer monuments will be opening their doors for a nightly visit as well. At medieval ghost town of Mystras in Sparta, for example, visitors will be able to wander around the Palace of the Despots.

Extending beyond the Full Moon evening itself, according to the Ministry of Culture, this year’s celebration also features events on 26, 27, 29, and 30 August. A full overview of the sites and their concerts, theatrical performances, dance productions, exhibitions, and guided tours can be found through the Ministry’s website. While most sites will be free, visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance when possible in order to be certain to obtain a spot.

L’article Greece to grant free access to 126 ancient sites during August full moon est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Elsewhere in Greece dozens of fires a day are burning, destroying 6,000 hectares on the islands of Crete and Paros, and pushing firefighters “to their limits” Greece’s Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas said on Saturday.

Residents and visitors to Greece should be aware that wildfire conditions have been particularly severe near Athens in the Attica, Boeotia and Fokida areas, with Voiotia and the island of Evia on maximum fire alert too.

Ionian island Cephalonia is also struggling to contain blazes. On the Gulf of Corinth, residents were evacuated from the ancient fortress town of Porto Germeno and other villages, where, reports say, 10,000 hectares including homes and vehicles have been destroyed.

Travel advice for Greece from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) warns of “a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.”

The notice continues: “Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.” It goes on to provide advice on how to avoid starting fires, by avoiding littering, particularly glass and cigarettes, and refraining from barbecues.

It warns that “Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional.” Anyone who sees a fire and is in immediate danger, should call the emergency services on 112. The FCDO urges caution in areas in or near wildfire zones, and suggests affected people follow @112Greece for official updates, comply with emergency service instructions, and contact their airline or travel operator for assistance with return travel to the UK.

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France

France meanwhile has lost 63,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land since the beginning of July, with two thirds of that land taken by an inferno in the Gironde region that is known to have devastated 240 homes. 12,000 people of 220,000 evacuees are still unable to return to their residences. While things are returning to “a more stable situation,” according to Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, the damage extends across 420 square kilometres, and a fire in the southeastern Var region is barely contained and remains “extremely precarious,” authorities say.

Visitors to France should remain alert to fire warnings and instructions and be aware that some areas remain inaccessible. They should also be aware that road closures can occur during quickly changing conditions. The FCDO advice for France notes an April-October wildfire risk that is “highest in the south of the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, in Corsica, and in areas of the south-west during periods of hot, dry weather.”

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Spain

In Spain, between January and August 2026, 186,544 hectares of forest were burnt in data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge shows. The southwest European country has lifted a state of emergency declared at the end of July, but is fighting fires still in Zamora, northeast Spain, and in León, after a flare up in San Tirso.

Evacuations have taken place in Veguellina, Valdelaloba, and in Cáceres, and in Castellón, a week-long fire in Vall d’Uixó burned 9,568 hectares and saw residents evacuated.

Across the region, the European Forest Fire Information System said the risk of wildfire remains high into the first week of August, including in northern countries, such as the UK and Denmark.

L’article Greek wildfires continue to threaten Athens, islands and mainland coastal regions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

When it started in April 2024, the scheme initially opened up 10 Greek islands for Turkish visa-on-arrival tourists. That number was expanded to 12 islands in 2025, a year during which Turkish visitors to Greece increased by 300,000 to hit 1.5 million, with Turkish travel agents crediting the scheme for the growth.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis agrees, noting the visa programme’s “particularly successful” outcomes and indicating it would continue, both as an economic driver and a soft power play helping to attenuate historic tensions between the Aegean neighbours. Maritime borders in the region have long been the subject of disputes and the islands made accessible by the scheme (Chios, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leros, Lesvos, Limnos, Patmos, Rhodes, Samos, Samothraki and Symi) are all situated close to the Turkish coast.

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 “In the last year alone, hundreds of thousands of Turkish friends have travelled to the Greek islands, bringing our peoples closer together,” Mitsotakis said.

Despite some teething problems in the form of long waits for authorisation on entry, the visa-on-arrival scheme gives Turkish citizens an alternative to the handful of mainly Balkan nations (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) that also offer visa-free European travel. It also comes at a time when Schengen zone visa applications entail long waits, increased costs, and potential refusal for Turks.

Türkiye’s potential for joining the European Union has been a major bone of contention in the bloc’s immigration and security debate. European lawmakers have criticised Ankara over its lack of an independent judiciary, pressure on journalists and political opponents, its closeness with Russia, non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus and refusal to engage in dialogue.

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The seven-day door visa cannot be extended and does not give Turkish citizens full Schengen access, preventing onward travel to mainland Greece and other Schengen countries. 

Greece is not a stranger to controversial border policy, having unilaterally said it would suspend the EU’s new Entry/Exit System early in 2026 due to the disruptive effect of the biometric process on arrivals from the UK, a major source market. Air arrivals for the first half of 2026 reached 10.7 million passengers, a 3.8% increase over 2025, according to data from the Institute of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (INSETE).

L’article Greece’s ‘door visa’ scheme boosts Turkish tourism to EU islands by 25% est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The islands affected are Astypalaia, Tinos, Alonissos, Leros, Patmos, Symi and Karpathos, where emergency measures have been introduced to safeguard dwindling water supplies as hotter summers and increasingly erratic rainfall leave reservoirs under severe strain.

Astypalaia has become one of the clearest examples of the crisis. The island, which already relies on bottled water for drinking, experienced its second driest season since 2020 despite Greece recording its wettest winter since 2022 in other regions. 

According to mayor Nikos Komineas, rainfall has been exceptionally scarce. “If we collected all the water dropped throughout the year in a bucket or a washbowl, it would be just 2.5 centimetres deep,” Komineas said.

The island’s only reservoir now contains around 150,000 cubic metres of water – roughly one-sixth of its total capacity – while daily consumption reaches approximately 900 cubic metres during the summer months. At that rate, current reserves would last only around five and a half months.

To avoid running out of water, local authorities declared a water emergency in May, allowing the rapid installation of a temporary desalination plant capable of producing 600 cubic metres of fresh water per day for Chora, the island’s main tourist town. Irrigation from the reservoir has also been suspended, forcing farmers to switch to brackish well water.

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The restrictions are already affecting local agriculture. A 71-year-old farmer, Evdokia Palatianou, who has already lost crops due to the lack of irrigation water, told Reuters: “Unless it rains, I won’t plant anything.”

Tourism is adding further pressure to the island’s limited resources. Astypalaia’s population grows from around 1,400 permanent residents to roughly 7,000 during the summer, overwhelming existing infrastructure. One desalination plant serving the village of Analipsi could no longer meet demand, prompting authorities to install a second temporary facility while a permanent plant is being built.

Businesses are also taking steps to reduce water consumption. Hotel owner Maria Alkalai told Reuters that guests have responded positively to an initiative offering a €5 voucher to those who choose to skip daily room cleaning. “Clients have embraced it,” she said.

The Greek government has allocated €15 million for desalination projects, water tanks and network upgrades across nine inhabited islands, including €1.5 million for Astypalaia. Speaking to fellow EU environment ministers, Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou said: “For Greece, water isn’t theoretical – it’s about security, economic growth and the protection of local communities.”

Scientists at the National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos have warned that water scarcity on Greece’s vulnerable islands is likely to intensify by 2049 if temperatures continue to rise.

The latest drought emergencies come as Greece faces increasing pressure to balance tourism with environmental sustainability. Earlier this year, the country introduced new measures to protect 250 beaches from overtourism, banning sunbeds and other commercial activities as part of efforts to protect its coastline. Meanwhile, neighbouring Cyprus has also warned that prolonged drought and growing visitor numbers are putting freshwater supplies under mounting strain.

L’article Seven Greek islands declare drought emergency as summer tourism peaks est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Culminating at 2,918 meters and dominating the surrounding landscape, Mount Olympus has been fascinating the Greeks – and the rest of the world – for a long time. As a home to the twelve Olympian gods, the mountain plays a central role within Greek mythology and culture, while its unique ecosystem gives it an important natural role as well.

This combination of natural, cultural, and historical meaning bound to Mount Olympus prompted Greece to submit the wider mountainous mass of Mount Olympus to UNESCO’s Tentative List back in 2014. That first step in the nomination process allows countries to then formally apply for a nomination.

However, at the time, UNESCO’s advisory bodies, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, asked for extra information and motivation. The international significance of the area’s geological features, biodiversity, and ecological processes needed to be clarified, while extra efforts were demanded regarding the mountain’s cultural value, for example by adding the archaeological site of Dion at the foot of Mount Olympus to the submission.

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During the 2026 session of the World Heritage Committee, which takes place from 19 to 29 July in Seoul, a decision regarding the inclusion of Mount Olympus on UNESCO’s World Heritage List is expected to be made. At the time of writing, it is still uncertain whether or not the cultural, historical, and natural importance of the mountain will be recognised.

“Mount Olympus is our life. It is the place where we grew up, the place we see every day. At the same time, though, it is a place that carries myth, history, biodiversity, unique natural beauty and enormous cultural significance,” states the mayor of Dio-Olympos, Evangelos Geroliolios.

For decades, a big part of Mount Olympus has been recognised as a national park. Although this designation entails a number of restrictions, such as ‘no swimming’ and ‘no camping’ areas, mountain guide Babis Marinidis, president of the Alpine Club of Litochoro, told the news agency Associated Press (AP) that many visitors choose to ignore these rules. As inclusion on the World Heritage List could possibly lead to more visitors, this should be accompanied by an extensive environmental protection policy.

@sightsofsara Climbing Mount Olympus with @crownofcureope (insta) . . #hikingadventures #outdooradventures #traveltheworld #hikingtrails #greece ♬ оригинальный звук – Chingizkhan

“How many people can this mountain, this ecosystem, bear? I used to be against that (entrance fees and registration of visitor numbers). But now with so many people, I believe some limit must be imposed,” Marinidis told AP.

A decision by the World Heritage Committee should arrive before 29 July 2026, although it remains possible that Greece will need to rework its submission of Mount Olympus. With the release of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’, however, interest in Greek mythology and the mountain’s role in it is likely to rise regardless of UNESCO’s verdict.

L’article Greece seeks UNESCO World Heritage recognition for famous Mount Olympus est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Based on the Greek island of Zakynthos, Navagio Beach has become a tourist favourite over the past decade. Aside from its crystal-blue waters and impressive cliffs, the beach is primarily known for the wreck of the Panagiotis ship, which stranded there in 1980.

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With the rise of social media, Shipwreck Beach quickly gained in popularity. The contrast between the pristine natural surroundings and the decaying ship became a well-loved photo spot for holidaymakers.

However, concerns have been arising about the future of the ship and therefore the tourism appeal of its surroundings. Aside from damages caused by visitors, bad weather and beach erosion have been taking a toll on the beach.

“It’s time for the municipality to manage this particular spot. The ship is disappearing; it’s the last chance to save what’s left. A person responsible for the boat must be found, because at the moment there is no one. If something happens, no one will be charged for the damage we will suffer, not only here in Zakynthos, but throughout the country. At least 1.5 million tourists come in the summer to see the shipwreck. Consider that they may not come because there will be no ship for them to see,’ mayor of Zakynthos, Giorgos Stasinopoulos, stated to local media outlets in 2025.

@calypsoboatrentals A magical place Navagio, Zakynthos Island, Greece . @Fotis Roussis with @calypsoboatrentals . Visit this location on our 8hr exclusive private Navagio Tour (the whole southwest coast) . Save this post for your next vacation We are open from April – Oct 2026 Follow @calypsoboatrentals for more #zakynthos #zante #greece #boatrental #boattour ♬ som original – ₊˚ ཐི⋆𝒙𝒐𝒈𝒉𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒊⋆ཋྀ ˚₊

In order to save the much-loved photo spot, local authorities have now unveiled a plan to expand the beach. A timeline has not yet been shared, but the works involve adding 45,000 cubic metres of gravel in order to expand the beach by 30 metres towards the sea. As the wreck will be located further from the water, it will be less prone to being damaged by wave action and coastal erosion. Once the expansion has been completed, authorities are planning to carry out conservation and restoration work on the Panagiotis ship to save the vessel for future generations.

“The shipwreck is not only the top tourist attraction of Zakynthos. It is a global symbol of our island, a unique natural and cultural asset that we must protect and deliver safely and upgrade for future generations. The Municipality of Zakynthos is ready to respond to this great challenge, with responsibility, determination and efficiency. We continue with a plan, cooperation and vision for a Zakynthos that successfully manages its comparative advantages and creates the conditions for sustainable development for the benefit of all citizens,” Giorgos Stasinopoulos commented on the planned extension, which will be led by the municipality in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens.

However, despite the unveiling of the expansion plans, Navagio Beach is closed to boats and swimmers at the time of writing and until 31 October 2026 at least. Since a partial cliff collapse in 2018 injured seven tourists and a temporary closure of the beach in 2022 after a 5.4-magnitude earthquake caused fears of rockfalls, Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation (OASP) has been inspecting the premises twice a year. As the organisation detected a continued risk of landslides, the beach and the bay remain closed until 31 October 2026 at least.

During the closure, tourists eager to see the popular spot can still get a glimpse of Shipwreck Beach from one of the special viewing spots located above.

L’article Greece plans to extend Navagio Beach to save famous shipwreck est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

During the first third of 2026, travel receipts rose €752.9 million, or 36.9%, to hit €2.79 billion, and travel payments increased by 14% to €1.13 billion. Overall, the country’s revenue from inbound international tourists (travel exports) exceeded its own residents’ travel spend abroad (travel imports) by €1.66 billion, an increase of 58% from €1.05 billion in the same period of 2025.

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Inbound arrivals shot up 27.1% from 4.12 million in the same period of 2025, reaching 5.24 million visitors between January and April 2026. Notably, the number of people arriving via overland transport went up by a whopping 67.8%, while air traffic also grew, but by a more modest 12.8%.

With overtourism a concern in some parts of Europe, many destinations are focusing on boosting visitor spending rather than (or, as well as) visitor numbers. Greece succeeded on this front, too, over those first four months. As well as visitor numbers increasing, the average spend per trip rose by 8.6 per cent year-on-year.

In terms of where that money is coming from, receipts from European Union nations increased by 38.7% to €1.37 billion, marginally more than those from non-EU countries, which were up 37.5%, reaching €1.34 billion. The difference in arrivals was more marked, with arrivals from EU countries up 36.1%, while arrivals from the rest of the world increased by around half that: 18.3%.

Important source markets included Italy, which sent 21.6% more visitors over the period than the year before. Italians also spent 57.5% more than they did in January to April 2025. For French visitors, the arrivals and revenue figures are more aligned: arrivals saw a 14.1% increase, and arrivals were up 14.1%.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, traditionally a major source market for Greece, managed to send 51% more visitors. Receipts from UK visitors rocketed 106.9% in the early part of the year compared to early 2025, helping to explain why Greek authorities declared they would suspend the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rules. No EES checks taking place makes Greece an attractive choice for British holidaymakers who, since Brexit, are considered third-country nationals and therefore risk being caught up in EES delays and disruption.

Greek authorities are likely to be looking carefully at more mitigated figures from Germany and the United States, however. German arrivals rose by 12.4%, hitting 534,500 visitors, but they spent less than the same period the year before, with receipts dropping 10.5% to€263 million. This may reflect low consumer confidence in Germany, affected by geopolitical concerns related to the Middle East conflict, as well as the squeeze on household budgets and a chill on purchasing power. Greece will be watching the figures for the next part of the year with interest because May 2026 saw the lowest German consumer confidence since 2023, according to the NIM Consumer Climate indicator.

Fewer visitors went to Greece from the United States, too. US arrivals fell 3.4%, and their spending also fell slightly (0.8%).

L’article Greek tourism boomed in early 2026 with more visitors and higher spending est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.