Published on
January 2, 2026
Short-term rentals in Greece have evolved from a niche alternative to a key player in the country’s tourism industry, driving substantial economic growth and reshaping traveler behavior nationwide. According to recent data from the Panhellenic Association of Property Managers (PASYDA), the sector’s increasing integration into Greece’s tourism ecosystem reflects both its maturation and the growing importance of digital platforms in the accommodation market.
The data, presented at a recent event hosted by the Athens Chamber of Tradesmen in cooperation with PASYDA, shows that short-term rentals now represent nearly 30 percent of total overnight stays across the country. This shift has been accompanied by a sharp rise in guest nights, which have surged by more than 440 percent from 2018 to 2024.
A Rapidly Growing Sector
The growth of short-term rentals in Greece has been nothing short of impressive. Between 2018 and 2024, the sector’s contribution to Greece’s GDP, employment, and tourism activity increased markedly. Short-term rentals have become a central component of the national tourism landscape, particularly as travelers seek more personalized and flexible accommodation options compared to traditional hotels.
As the sector matures, it has become increasingly integrated into the wider tourism market, with short-term rentals now representing a mainstream option for both domestic and international visitors. The rise in guest nights and overall rental activity is a testament to the sector’s popularity and the shift in consumer preferences toward more diverse lodging options.
According to PASYDA’s Short-Term Rental Analytics dashboard, rental activity booked through online platforms grew significantly, reaching 8.19 million days in 2024, which marked a 14.4 percent increase from the previous year. This growth reflects a strong demand for short-term rentals and highlights the increasing shift toward digital platforms in the booking process. Additionally, the number of rental declarations increased to 2.31 million in 2024, marking a 20.6 percent year-on-year rise. This surge indicates that more property owners are registering their rentals, ensuring compliance with the country’s regulatory framework and contributing to the formalization of the sector.
The Impact on Greece’s Tourism and Economy
The integration of short-term rentals into Greece’s tourism ecosystem has provided a boost to the economy, creating new job opportunities and generating substantial revenue for local economies. As the number of short-term rentals continues to rise, so does the demand for services such as cleaning, maintenance, and guest management, contributing to the growth of related industries.
Additionally, short-term rentals have become a valuable source of income for property owners across Greece, with many leveraging digital platforms to market their properties to a global audience. This economic activity has had a positive ripple effect on other sectors, including local retail, transportation, and hospitality.
The rise of short-term rentals also aligns with Greece’s broader tourism strategy, which has focused on diversifying the country’s tourism offerings to cater to a wider range of travelers. By providing an alternative to traditional hotels, short-term rentals have made Greece more accessible to tourists seeking unique and varied accommodations, helping to sustain the country’s appeal as a top travel destination.
Regulatory Developments and Formalization of the Market
While the growth of the short-term rental sector has been largely positive, it has also raised questions regarding regulation and market transparency. In response, Greece has implemented measures to formalize the sector, ensuring that property owners comply with local regulations and that guests can trust the quality and legality of their accommodations.
The rise in rental declarations, as seen in the recent PASYDA data, reflects the successful efforts of Greek authorities to encourage property owners to register their rentals and adhere to legal requirements. This formalization process is critical in maintaining the integrity of the short-term rental market and ensuring that the benefits of the sector are distributed fairly across local communities.
Moreover, the integration of short-term rentals into the formal tourism market has contributed to the sector’s long-term sustainability. By adhering to regulatory standards, property owners and rental platforms help ensure that Greece’s tourism sector remains competitive and continues to provide high-quality experiences for visitors.
The Future of Short-Term Rentals in Greece
As short-term rentals continue to grow in prominence, their role in Greece’s tourism industry is expected to become even more significant. With travelers increasingly seeking authentic, flexible, and personalized experiences, short-term rentals offer a valuable alternative to traditional hotel stays. The sector’s expansion will likely continue to provide economic benefits, creating jobs and driving investment in local communities across the country.
The data presented by PASYDA underscores the important role that short-term rentals will play in the future of Greek tourism. With the ongoing growth of digital platforms and the continued development of regulatory frameworks, the sector is poised to remain a key contributor to the country’s tourism economy for years to come.
