Rising living costs continue to strain Greek households, with nearly half of citizens reporting a worsened financial situation over the past year and a similar percentage skipping summer vacations altogether, according to the second part of a recent Alco opinion poll.
The survey reveals that 47% of respondents feel financially worse off than a year ago, while 45% report no change, and a mere 7% see an improvement. This financial pressure directly impacts summer plans with 47% stating they will not go on a vacation this year, slightly outpacing the 44% who intend to travel. A total of 9% remains undecided.
Key barriers to summer vacation for Greeks
Among the obstacles deterring Greeks from actually going on a vacation this year are:
- Accommodation costs: This emerged as the primary deterrent, with 76% citing lodging expenses as a major factor in their decision to stay home.
- Essential Expenses: Prioritizing daily household bills was a major obstacle for 74% of respondents, underscoring the relentless pressure of inflation.
- Transportation: High transit fees remain a significant hurdle, with 59% stating that ticket prices heavily influenced their decision not to travel.
- Food Prices: Grocery and dining costs strongly influenced 49% of respondents’ vacation decisions.
For the minority planning to travel, 59% expect the amount of time they spend on vacation to be similar to that of last year. Meanwhile, 21% anticipate a shorter trip, and 15% plan to extend their stay. Cost-consciousness also dictates lodging choices. Staying at a family-owned property is the most popular option (46%), followed by hotels (37%), short-term rentals such as Airbnb (12%), and camping (5%).
Ultimately, these findings mirror broader anxiety over affordability. With soaring housing costs and persistent inflation, the expense of domestic tourism, particularly accommodation and island ferry fares, remains a dominant concern for Greek families heading into the summer season.
Related: How Much You Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in 2026
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