Greece short-term rental market grows amid rise in event-driven tourism

The short-term rental market in Greece has expanded significantly, with over 117,000 properties currently listed on platforms like Airbnb. This growth has seen the emergence of professional management companies that handle bookings, guest reception, and maintenance for property owners. Major players include Rhodes Holiday Villas, which manages 712 properties in Rhodes, and Hotelyzer Living, which manages 562 properties primarily in Chania.

Parallel to the professionalization of rentals, Greece is seeing a rise in ‘live tourism’—travel driven by specific events such as major concerts and sporting competitions. For example, following a concert by Anna Vissi, Airbnb-style accommodation prices within a 3km radius of the Olympic Stadium rose by 24% in a single week. Such events also impact aviation, with flight demand and prices spiking for travelers coming from locations like Cyprus.

This trend toward event-based travel, including ‘city breaks’ and large-scale organized events like the Athens Classic Marathon, is helping to address the long-standing issue of seasonality in the Greek tourism sector, particularly in Athens.