Short-term rental rates in Greece rose sharply in September 2026 despite a decline in booked nights, according to AirDNA figures, highlighting the economic and policy pressures created by a tourism season that is extending further into autumn.
The average daily rate for short-term accommodation, including Airbnb properties, reached €164.70, approximately 13.9% more than in September 2025. That increase was higher than the 8.9% average recorded across Europe.
The price rise came as booked nights in Greece fell by 2.7% and the number of available properties declined by 3%. Occupancy nevertheless edged up to 60.2%, above the European average of 55.4%.
Higher rates lift revenue despite fewer bookings
AirDNA’s figures showed revenue per available rental night, a standard industry measure known as RevPAR, rising by 16.6% in Greece to €99. The equivalent European figure was about €78.
The data indicate that operators generated more revenue from each available night by charging higher rates, offsetting weaker booking volume.
Across Europe, the number of available short-term rentals reached 4.04 million in September. Booked nights fell by 1.2% to 46.4 million, while the average daily rate increased to €141.
Athens gains as autumn destination
Athens performed differently from the broader European market. Average daily demand in the Greek capital during September was 24.4% higher than during the June-to-August period, placing it among the ten strongest autumn performers in a comparison of 93 European destinations with at least 5,000 listings.
Average daily demand across Europe fell by 18.3% from summer levels. Seville led the comparison with an increase of 36.7%, followed by Munich at 29.7%.
AirDNA suggested that extreme summer heat may be influencing when some travelers take their holidays. Nine of the ten destinations with the strongest September demand had recorded average daily maximum temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius during summer.
That pattern may benefit Athens by spreading visitor activity beyond the traditional peak period. It may also deepen debate over how national and local authorities balance tourism income, housing pressures and the regulation of short-term accommodation.
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