
Greece’s two most prominent island destinations, jet-setting Mykonos and iconic Santorini, are apparently slumping early this summer season due to perceptions of poor “value-for-money” ratios.
A social media and travel platform-fueled “backlash” is reportedly behind a 22-percent drop in flights to Santorini (compared to pre-pandemic 2019), for instance, an unofficial figure being cited by news media on the Cyclades isle.
Similar local reports have emerged and are being reproduced by national media concerning Mykonos, citing a roughly 20-percent drop in flights.
Surging prices for travel, accommodations, dining and other holiday-related expenses have essentially precluded most Greeks from visiting the two isles, which were elevated to “high-luxury” status over recent years, while “fatter wallets” from among the local population are apparently avoiding the destinations as overcrowded and overrated.
At the same time, “value-for-money” is among foreign visitors’ top considerations.
One characteristic example of the previous self-confidence of tourism sector professionals on both islands is the fact that no accommodations were made available, on either isle, in a state-subsidized vacation program for eligible Greek wage-earners.
According to local media on the two islands, local and foreign holiday-makers are increasingly choosing less expensive destinations in Greece and abroad.
Indicatively, international arrivals for Mykonos in April 2023 were down by 29 percent, compared to the same month of 2022. The figure was down by 6.4 percent for Santorini, compared to increases of 31.2 percent, 26.8 percent and 17.4 percent for Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Athens, respectively.


Latest News

German Ambassador to Greece Talks Ukraine, Rise of Far Right & Tariffs at Delphi Economic Forum X
Commenting on the political developments in his country, the German Ambassador stressed that it was clear the rapid formation of a new government was imperative, as the expectations across Europe showed.

Athens to Return Confiscated License Plates Ahead of Easter Holiday
Cases involving court orders will also be excluded from this measure.

Servicers: How More Properties Could Enter the Greek Market
Buying or renting a home is out of reach for many in Greece. Servicers propose faster processes and incentives to boost property supply and ease the housing crisis.

Greek Easter 2025: Price Hikes on Lamb, Eggs & Sweets
According to the Greek Consumers’ Institute, hosting an Easter dinner for eight now costs approximately €361.95 — an increase of €11 compared to 2024.

FM Gerapetritis Calls for Unified EU Response to Global Crises at EU Council
"Europe is navigating through unprecedented crises — wars, humanitarian disasters, climate emergencies," he stated.

Holy Week Store Hours in Greece
Retail stores across Greece are now operating on extended holiday hours for Holy Week, following their Sunday opening on April 13. The move aims to accommodate consumers ahead of Easter, but merchants remain cautious amid sluggish market activity.

Green Getaway Ideas for Easter 2025 in Greece
Celebrate Easter 2025 in Greece the sustainable way with eco-farms, car-free islands, and family-friendly getaways rooted in nature and tradition.

Civil Protection Minister Details Summer Firefighting Plans at Delphi Forum
At the 10th Delphi Economic Forum, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Yiannis Kefalogiannis discussed Greece's plans for the upcoming fire season.

How Shops and Markets Will Operate During Easter Holy Week
The Easter holiday schedule has been in effect since April 10, with retail stores open Palm Sunday, and most supermarkets also operating to meet consumer demand for Easter shopping

Why Is the French Aircraft Carrier Charles De Gaulle in Piraeus?
Docking in Piraeus after a four-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, the admiral of the aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle says, "Greece is our best partner in the Mediterranean."