Greece tops Europe in tourism arrivals and spending in early 2026

In the second quarter of 2026 Greece recorded the strongest growth among European destinations, with international arrivals rising 38.3% between January and May. May alone saw 4 million arrivals, up 2.9% year‑on‑year, and 15.8 million overnight stays, a 2.7% increase. Foreign visitors accounted for 82% of arrivals and 89.8% of overnight stays, confirming that overseas demand remains the main driver of the sector.

Tourism revenue surged by 64.3%, far outpacing the rise in visitor numbers. The average spend per guest rose sharply, positioning Greece ahead of traditional leaders such as Italy, whose arrivals grew 21.1% but revenue only 4.3%. Short‑term rental prices also climbed, with the average daily rate for platforms like Airbnb increasing 28.7% in April‑May compared with the previous year.

Domestic tourism stayed roughly flat, with Greek travellers contributing only 18% of arrivals and 10% of overnight stays. Analysts note that the continued preference for nearby, safe Mediterranean destinations and the higher value‑capture strategy are key to sustaining the upward trend through the summer season.