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Greece’s Short-Term Rentals Head for Higher Earnings in 2026

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Greece’s short-term rentals sector is on track for stronger earnings in 2026, driven mainly by higher occupancy and rising demand across key destinations. Credit: Greek Reporter

Greece’s short-term rentals sector is heading for higher earnings in 2026 despite the uncertainty created by geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

According to the latest report from Hosthub, the average annual income per short-term rental in Greece reached €15,200 ($17,777) in 2025. Current booking trends for 2026 now point to stronger returns across several key destinations.

The report is based on data from tens of thousands of properties across Greece, representing roughly 7% to 9% of the total market. It compares full-year 2025 performance with current booking pace for 2026, offering an early view of how the market may perform through the rest of the year.

Greece heads for stronger short-term rental earnings

At the national level, RevPAR, or revenue per available rental, is up 14.7% compared with 2025. Average revenue per property is rising by 16.7% and occupancy is up 9.07%, while the average daily rate is increasing more moderately by 4.96%.

In 2025, Greece closed the year with an average occupancy of 40.9% and an average nightly rate of about €121. Those figures now serve as the benchmark for 2026.

The stronger performance does not appear to be driven by aggressive price hikes. Instead, the market is benefiting from better demand absorption and more realistic pricing. Based on bookings recorded through April 22, this year (2026) is currently running ahead of 2025.

Hosthub estimates that, if the current trend continues, 2026 has a strong chance of closing above last year, mainly through higher occupancy and stronger total revenues.

Central Athens remains steady

Central Athens continues to operate as a mature and stable short-term rental market. In 2025, average annual income reached €17,900 ($20,935) per property, with occupancy at 55.6% and an average nightly rate of €108.7 ($126).

For 2026, performance is slightly stronger. Occupancy is up 2.97%, RevPAR is higher by 3.2%, and average revenue per property is increasing by 5.4%. The average nightly rate is almost unchanged, rising just 0.25%.

The Athenian Riviera moves upmarket

The strongest shift is taking place in Athens’ southern suburbs, where the Athenian Riviera is exhibiting one of the most impressive performances in the market. In 2025, the area recorded average annual income of €17,800 per property, occupancy of 50.3%, and an average nightly rate of about €120 ($140).

In 2026, RevPAR is up 32.6%, average revenue per property is rising by 34.5%, occupancy is higher by 11.97%, and average nightly rate is increasing by 19.27%. The figures suggest that the area is not only attracting more demand but also moving into a higher-value category.

Thessaloniki gains from stronger city-break demand

Thessaloniki is also performing clearly better than in 2025. Last year, the city recorded average annual income of €12,700 ($14,853) per property, occupancy of 61%, and an average nightly rate of €71.3 euros.

For 2026, all major indicators are moving upward. Occupancy is up 14.38%, RevPAR is rising by 23.9%, average revenue per property is higher by 25%, and average nightly rate is increasing by 10.57%.

Greece’s short-term rentals on Crete benefit from longer season

Crete is showing a quieter but meaningful improvement. In 2025, the island recorded average annual income of €16,300 ($19,064) per property, occupancy of 35.5%, and an average nightly rate of €140.5 ($163).

The 2026 picture is not based on sharp price increases. Instead, the island is seeing more bookings, better property utilization, and signs of a longer season.

Crete’s advantage is the quality and spread of demand. The island is becoming less dependent on a few peak summer weeks and more capable of operating as an all-season destination. The season is opening earlier, closing later, and filling more evenly.

Cyclades recover after pricing correction

In the Cyclades, 2026 looks like a return to balance after a period of over-optimism and correction. In 2025, the region recorded average annual income of €19,800 ($23,158) per property, occupancy of just 22.3%, and an average nightly rate of €259.7 ($302).

The islands saw strong price growth in previous years. In 2022 and 2023, expectations in numerous cases were higher than actual demand. In 2024 and 2025, the market corrected, with travelers becoming more selective and major destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos facing pressure on key performance indicators.

For 2026, the trend has improved. RevPAR is up 41.1%, average revenue per property is rising by 41.3%, and occupancy is increasing by 32.96%. At the same time, the average nightly rate is up only 3.95%.

That is the key signal. The Cyclades are not recovering through another round of aggressive price hikes. They are improving through stronger demand and better absorption of available supply.

Greece’s short-term rentals on Ionian Islands retain premium momentum

The Ionian Islands remain among Greece’s strongest short-term rental destinations. In 2025, the region recorded average annual income of €18,900 ($22,105) per property, occupancy of 28.9%, and an average nightly rate of €193.1 ($225).

For 2026, performance is well above last year. RevPAR is up 35.8%, average revenue per property is rising by 37%, occupancy is higher by 23.36%, and prices are increasing much more mildly by 2.82%.

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