Among the most popular summer bookings for international travelers to Greece according to data released by Ferryscanner are the islands of Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Ios, and Santorini.
These findings are based on ferry reservations made between January 1 and July 28 for trips scheduled from June through September. Ferryscanner compared the results with booking activity from the corresponding period of 2025.
The five Cycladic islands ranked highest across the platform’s main international markets, confirming their continued appeal among visitors planning island-hopping vacations in Greece.
Greece’s summer bookings highlight Milos, Sifnos, and Skiathos
Beyond the five leading destinations, several other Greek islands attracted strong demand from specific markets. Travelers from Australia, France, and the United States showed particular interest in Milos. British and French visitors also favored Sifnos, while Skiathos attracted strong demand from travelers in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
The figures suggest that international visitors are increasingly looking beyond Greece’s most famous islands. Many are exploring destinations with more serene beaches, distinctive landscapes, and more traditional experiences.
US travelers turn to islands near Athens
American travelers also showed growing interest in islands located closer to Athens. Ferry bookings from the United States to Aegina increased by 35.4 percent compared with the same period in 2025. Reservations for Hydra rose by 34.1 percent.
Travelers can reach both islands quickly from the port of Piraeus, making them convenient options for those seeking to combine a stay in Athens with a short island visit. The increases may reflect a broader shift toward shorter journeys, flexible itineraries, and destinations that travelers can easily add to a mainland Greece vacation.
Santorini bookings fall across major tourism markets
Although Santorini remains one of Greece’s most sought-after destinations, the island recorded booking declines across five of the country’s largest international tourism markets. Australian travelers registered the sharpest fall, with bookings dropping by 31.6 percent.
Bookings from the United Kingdom declined by 25.8 percent, followed by Italy at 21.4 percent, France at 16.6 percent, and the United States at 14.5 percent. Ferryscanner analysts say the figures point to changing travel patterns in several of Greece’s traditional markets.
The decline does not necessarily indicate that Santorini has lost its international appeal. Instead, travelers may be spreading their trips across a wider range of Greek islands as they search for alternative destinations and lower prices away from massive crowds.
Greece’s summer bookings from Turkey rise sharply
One of the most notable trends according to the report involves rising demand from Turkey. The particular market shows increased ferry bookings by as much as 53.9 percent and the highest growth rate among Greece’s fifteen leading international markets.
Ferryscanner attributed much of the increase to the fast-track visa program, which has made travel to select Greek islands easier for Turkish visitors. The scheme appears to have strengthened cross-border tourism and increased ferry traffic between Turkey and destinations in Greece’s Eastern Aegean.
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