Faced with soaring travel expenses within the country, many Greeks are opting to spend their summer holidays in more affordable destinations abroad, according to a recent study by INSETE.
The study revealed that Italy is the most popular choice for Greek travelers, attracting 17 percent of the respondents. Germany (11%), France (9%), Bulgaria (8%), and Turkey, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom (7% each) followed closely behind.
The survey said that the shift in travel patterns was largely attributed to the rising costs of ferry tickets, fuel, tolls, accommodation, and food within Greece, particularly during the peak summer months of July and August.
A family of three planning a week-long vacation in Santorini, for example, could expect to pay over 700 euros for round-trip ferry tickets alone.
In contrast, a last-minute flight to Rome for the same family could cost as little as 578 euros, highlighting the stark price difference between domestic and international travel options.
While some Greek islands offer more affordable options, and budget-conscious travelers can opt for slower ferries, the fact remains that international flights, even those booked at the last minute, are often cheaper or highly competitive with domestic travel.
This trend is further exacerbated by the rising cost of accommodation in popular Greek destinations, particularly during peak season.
A recent survey by ELSTAT showed a 10.9 percent annual rise in holiday packages. A search on popular booking platforms confirmed the high cost of accommodation for families, whether in organised hotels or Airbnb-style rooms.
The INSETE study also revealed that hotels are the most popular accommodation choice for all types of travel, although the percentage is lower for domestic trips (52%) compared to international trips (64%).
Four-star hotels rated as the most preferred option for international travel (40%), slightly higher than for domestic travel.
by Giorgos Pappous