Greece recorded the third-highest share of domestic trips in the European Union in 2025, with 85% of overnight trips by residents staying within the country, according to figures released by Eurostat. France and Portugal also recorded domestic trip shares of 85%, while Romania led the EU at 89%, followed by Spain at 87%.
Across the EU, domestic travel accounted for 848 million of the 1.2 billion overnight personal and business trips taken by residents, or 70% of the total. In all, 92% of trips stayed within the EU. Luxembourg recorded the lowest domestic share at 5%. The figures measure trips taken by residents rather than visits by foreign tourists to Greece.
Surveys of Greek travelers point to several factors shaping holiday choices, from the appeal of beaches to accommodation costs and access to mainland destinations.
Why Greece ranks among the highest for domestic trips
A July 2025 survey of 1,000 adults by research firm Focus Bari found that 70% preferred islands or seaside locations for summer holidays. Affordable prices or special offers influenced destination choices for 63% of respondents, while 62% cited clean beaches and clear water.
Natural beauty and the opportunity for relaxation also featured prominently. Respondents identified local cuisine and Greece’s climate among the advantages of holidaying in the country.
Accommodation offers another part of the picture. The Hellenic Statistical Authority said 52.1% of personal trips by Greek residents in 2025 involved non-rented lodging, such as holiday homes or accommodation provided by relatives and friends. Such stays accounted for 71.6% of nights spent on personal trips, although the figures also include journeys abroad.
The findings suggest that access to places to stay without paying hotel rates can shape how residents organize their holidays.
Coastal mainland destinations help travelers keep holiday costs down
Another survey, conducted by the Institute of Retail Consumer Goods Research in June 2025, found that 60% of respondents considered seaside destinations on the Greek mainland, compared with 28% considering islands. The institute linked that preference to efforts to save money and avoid ferry costs.
In 2025, there were 848 million domestic trips in the EU. 🚗
🔸 Among EU countries, the highest shares were recorded in 🇷🇴 Romania (89%) and 🇪🇸Spain (87%).
🔸 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (5%) and 🇧🇪 Belgium (29%) had the lowest shares.
Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/VVJh8TSvqr pic.twitter.com/OUa1suOfMU
— EU_Eurostat (@EU_Eurostat) October 9, 2026
Financial pressure remains significant. Eurostat reported that 46.6% of Greece’s population could not afford a weeklong holiday away from home in 2025, compared with 27.5% across the EU. Focus Bari found 69% considered high prices a disadvantage of holidaying in Greece.
ELSTAT figures showed average spending of 76.70 euros ($85.92) per night on domestic personal trips lasting four to seven days, compared with 152.70 euros ($171.06) for outbound trips of the same length. The findings highlight how travel costs, access to holiday homes and the appeal of coastal destinations shape holiday choices among Greek residents.
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