The latest data from Visa reveals a significant surge in Greek outbound tourism for 2025, reflecting both a robust desire for travel and an evolving landscape of consumer preferences.
Between January and September 2025, the number of Greeks traveling abroad jumped by 20% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was matched by a corresponding 20% increase in cross-border spending, signaling that Greek travelers are prioritizing international experiences as a core part of their lifestyle.
The rise of the “new” destinations for Greek travelers
While traditional European hubs remain favorites, Greek travelers are increasingly turning their attention to so-called “hidden gems” as well as destinations in the Middle East. This shift reflects a growing appetite for new cultural experiences, emerging hotspots, and short breaks that offer something beyond the familiar Western European circuit.
Egypt has seen the most dramatic surge, with traveler numbers rising by more than 80%. This explosive growth is largely driven by the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in late 2025, combined with improved flight connectivity that has made the destination more accessible and appealing to Greek travelers.
Beyond Egypt, notable increases were also recorded in Albania, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These trends point to a broader diversification of travel choices, suggesting a move away from traditional Western European corridors toward more adventurous or luxury-oriented city-break destinations.
Despite these changes, the core pillars of Greek outbound travel remain firmly in place. In terms of overall frequency, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Turkey continue to dominate as the top five destinations.
Spending habits: A country-by-country breakdown
Greek tourists are not monolithic in their spending; their budgets adapt specifically to the character of the destination as follows:
- Italy (The Fashion Capital): Greek visitors in Italy are dedicated shoppers. Approximately 20% of their total expenditure is directed toward clothing and accessories—nearly double the 12% average across other markets.
- Germany (The Grocery Hub): Interestingly, spending on food and groceries in Germany was roughly twice the overall average, suggesting that many Greeks visiting Germany may be staying in self-catering accommodations or visiting friends and relatives.
- France (The Entertainment Hub): Spending on entertainment and cultural activities in France was 3% higher than the average, likely influenced by the post-Olympic cultural boom in Paris.
- United Kingdom (The Department Store Draw): Greek spending at major department stores in the UK outperformed the norm by 4%, cementing London’s status as a premier retail destination.
The data highlights that the “summer surge” isn’t just for inbound tourists. Greek outbound travel peaked in June, July, and August, with spending during these months climbing by 25% year-on-year. This suggests that even as the domestic tourism season hits its height, Greeks are increasingly choosing to spend their primary summer holidays exploring international locations.
Related: Which Countries Did Greeks Visit the Most in 2024?
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