Published on
November 15, 2025
As Greece continues to solidify its status as one of the most appealing travel destinations within Europe, the latest figures from INSETE, the research institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation-SETE, showed that international travel demand has surged this November. In fact, according to the latest data available, air seats available for Greece during November 2025 increased by 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. This trend pinpoints the country’s emergence as an increasingly appealing destination in the shoulder season. With 1,357,189 air seats scheduled for this month compared to 1,220,293 in November 2024, Greece is quite obviously developing a trend in attracting travelers even during the months traditionally considered off-peak.
Athens, Thessaloniki, and Other Key Destinations Show Strong Performance
As the capital city, Athens continues to be the leading destination for travelers, securing over 1.04 million air seats, which marks an 11.8% increase year-on-year. This growth reflects Athens’ enduring charm, drawing visitors for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and excellent connectivity to both regional and international travel routes. The city’s tourism infrastructure, including high-end hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues, continues to thrive, cementing its position as a key hub for business and leisure travelers alike.
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, also experienced a robust performance, with 193,554 air seats scheduled, reflecting an 11% growth. Thessaloniki’s unique combination of ancient history, modern culture, and proximity to stunning coastlines make it an attractive alternative to Athens, particularly for those seeking a less crowded urban experience.
Island Destinations: Heraklion and Rhodes See Continued Growth
Among Greece’s island destinations, Heraklion in Crete recorded 57,347 air seats, marking an 8.9% increase compared to last year, while Rhodes showed an 11.8% growth with 22,661 seats. These destinations remain popular for their scenic beauty, historical sites, and luxury resorts. Despite the seasonal decline in overall island tourism, these premium locations continue to attract visitors due to their ability to offer diverse tourism experiences, including cultural explorations, beach vacations, and luxury stays.
Kalamata’s Significant Growth and Shifts in Traditional Destinations
One of the standout performers in terms of growth is Kalamata, which saw a 55.3% surge in air seat capacity, with 5,843 seats scheduled for the month. This dramatic rise signals growing interest in lesser-known gems of Greece, particularly those in the Peloponnese, offering a mix of natural beauty and authentic Greek experiences. The Kalamata growth is a testament to the increasing appeal of off-the-beaten-path destinations, as travelers look to explore more serene and less commercialized parts of the country.
However, some of Greece’s traditional summer hotspots, such as Corfu, Kos, Chania, and Santorini, have seen declines in air capacity. Corfu and Santorini, for instance, experienced decreases of 12.9% and 12.4% respectively, which may reflect a shift in tourist preferences or an oversaturation of certain popular destinations. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of Greece’s tourism sector, where demand patterns can fluctuate based on seasonal trends, cultural shifts, and changing travel behaviors.
Key Source Markets: Israel Leads, Europe Follows
The growth in air seats for November 2025 is largely driven by higher demand from major international markets. Israel leads the pack with a 63.8% increase, resulting in 70,997 additional seats compared to the previous year. The Israel-Greece tourism corridor has proven particularly strong, with Israeli tourists drawn to Greece’s rich cultural offerings, affordable luxury, and proximity.
Germany follows with a 12.5% increase (226,056 seats), while Poland (+17.5%) and Austria (+13.9%) also showed significant growth. This trend signals that European markets remain highly engaged with Greece, especially those looking for both cultural tourism and leisure getaways. The demand from Turkey (+8.8%) continues to reflect the strong neighboring tourism flow, particularly from visitors seeking sun, sea, and cultural exchanges.
However, there was a slight decline from the UK (-0.4%), France (-0.5%), the Netherlands (-3.5%), and the UAE (-30.2%). The decline in the UAE market is notably steep, which may be related to broader economic or geopolitical factors or a shift in travel habits among Middle Eastern tourists.
Forecast for 2026: Continued Positive Momentum
Looking ahead to the 2026 travel season, Greece’s tourism sector is set to maintain its positive momentum, with a forecasted 11.8% increase in air seats for the November–March period. The forecasted total for this period is 6,326,734 seats, with major source markets including Germany, the UK, Italy, Cyprus, and Turkey.
This ongoing growth in air capacity is a strong indicator that Greece will remain a key tourism destination in Europe. The country’s diverse offerings, from luxury coastal resorts to historical landmarks and vibrant cities, make it an attractive option for regional and international tourists, with a particular appeal to those looking for premium and family-friendly travel experiences.
Greece’s Expanding Appeal for Global Travelers
The rise in air seat capacity and tourism demand this November reflects Greece’s continued success in capturing the attention of global travelers. Greece is solidifying its position as one of the world’s top destinations due to regional growth, cultural exchange, and sustainability within its tourism sector. This continued growth in international markets, especially from Israel, Germany, and Poland, presents a strong future for Greek tourism, showing more and more travelers the different beauties of this Mediterranean paradise-both during peak and shoulder seasons.
