Greece continues to rank among Europe’s most preferred destinations, maintaining its appeal beyond the summer peak.
According to the “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” report (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission (ETC), Greece ranks seventh among the top ten European destinations that travelers from ten key European markets (Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Poland and Austria) plan to visit between October 2025 and March 2026, securing a five percent share.
Preferred countries for next intra-European trip (Horizon October ‘25 – March ‘26)
Spain (12 percent) leads the list, followed by Italy and France (8 percent each), Germany (7 percent), Portugal (6 percent), and the United Kingdom (5 percent). Greece shares its position ahead of Austria (4 percent), Switzerland (3 percent), and Turkey (2 percent).
Greece sees strong interest from key European markets
The ETC’s analysis also shows that several key markets continue to express strong interest in Greece.
Seven percent of French travelers, six percent of Polish travelers and five percent of those from the United Kingdom and Austria include Greece among their top five preferred European destinations for the upcoming season. However, the country did not appear in the top five choices of travelers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, or Switzerland.
Europeans maintain strong travel intentions
Across Europe, travel sentiment remains strong.
The ETC survey reveals that 73 percent of Europeans intend to travel between October 2025 and March 2026, unchanged from last year’s level, underscoring the region’s sustained enthusiasm for travel. Among them, 63 percent plan to travel abroad within Europe — a three-point increase compared to the same period a year earlier.
Southern Europe leads off-season demand
The report highlights a clear shift toward off-season travel and southern destinations, with the Mediterranean now attracting 52 percent of European travelers, up seven points from last autumn and winter. While travel demand remains resilient, Europeans are planning fewer but more meaningful trips, with 45 percent expecting to take only one holiday in the next six months. Middle-aged travelers (45–54) show the strongest intentions, reflecting a more selective, value-driven approach to travel.
Air travel preferred for autumn–winter trips
Air travel remains the most popular mode of transport, chosen by 57 percent of respondents (up four points), followed by car (25 percent) and train (13 percent).
Broader travel trends across Europe
The ETC report also reveals that City Breaks (20 percent) and Sun & Beach holidays (19 percent) remain the top travel choices for the coming season, reflecting Europeans’ continued preference for urban exploration and mild-weather escapes.
Moreover, 76 percent of travelers say they are adapting their plans due to climate change — such as seeking destinations with more moderate temperatures — a trend that could further support off-season travel to countries like Greece.
Data for the ETC’s report was collected between September 6–26, 2025, from 5,963 respondents across ten key markets: Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Poland and Austria. Of these, 4,332 plan to travel in the next six months, while 4,646 intend to travel internationally within Europe.
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