A surge in the number of Israelis visiting Greece - which places stood out in particular?
- דוריס
- May 26
- 2 min read
Updated: May 27
1.3 million passengers from Israel have landed or will land in Greece during the year • Sharp drop in bookings to Santorini and the Cyclades Islands - due to the series of earthquakes • Also: The small town in Crete that doubled bookings this year, thanks to its vibrant nightlife
The tourist season in Greece has officially opened, and data from the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the local hotel association indicate that tourism from Israel is going to break records in 2025 with an increase of 52.1% compared to 2024. According to the backlog of reservations so far, approximately 1.3 million travelers from Israel have landed or will land in Greece in 2025, and a large number of them will do so more than once during the year.
Additional data released for the 2025 tourist season shows that bookings to the Cyclades are in steep decline: a 27% drop in advance bookings to Santorini, 23% to Mykonos and 11% to Paros. This is due to the series of earthquakes earlier this year in Santorini and the surrounding Cyclades, which caused many tourists to give them up.
Athens, despite the steady flow of tourists in recent years, experienced a 9% drop in bookings. A similar decline is also evident in the Saronic Islands (-6%), as well as in the Peloponnese, which records the largest decline among the mainland regions (-15%).
Advance bookings for 2025 reveal a redistribution of tourist interest in Greece. Thessaly and Halkidiki emerge as the big heroes of the new year, with an increase in advance bookings exceeding 100%, an element that indicates a change in the country's tourist "geography". Halkidiki seems to benefit from international visibility and proximity to Thessaloniki. Pelion stands out with a 73% increase, while Parga also continues its upward trend (+35%), confirming its position as a rising tourist destination.
Crete continues to be one of the strongest pillars of Greek tourism, with an overall increase in bookings of 48% in 2025. Agios Nikolaos, a quiet (at least so far) port town located about 40 minutes drive from the capital Heraklion, is doubling its bookings (100%+). In addition to beautiful beaches, a picturesque harbor and many tavernas, Agios Nikolaos also offers a lively nightlife scene, with many clubs and bars, which also beckons younger tourists.
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