Greece is among the 7 most popular European destinations that European travelers plan to travel to in the next 6 months (October 2025-March 2026), according to the recent report “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission ETC.
Our country has a 5% share in Europeans’ preferences for this period, as do the UK and Portugal. In first place is Spain with a 5% increase from last year and a 12% share, followed by Italy (8%), France (8%) and Germany (6%).
In particular, Greece is in the top 5 of travelers who will travel in the next six months from Austria, with a share of 5%, while it is also in the same position in the preferences of the British (5%).
A stronger desire for Greece is recorded in France, where our country is 4th in line on the list of the most popular European countries for getaways in the next 6 months, with a share of 7%. Poland also shows a strong intention to vacation in Greece in the near future, with a share of 6% in preferences and with Greece being in 4th place in the ranking for Polish travelers.
The report, which was based on online market research among European citizens (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Poland and Austria) who spent at least two nights during the last three years (2023-2024/25), shows that Southern Europe is the big winner of the season.
52% of European travelers say they will visit Mediterranean destinations, seven points more than last year. Spain records the biggest increase (12%, +5), while Italy and France maintain consistently high rates (8% each). In contrast, Eastern Europe sees a decrease in interest, with just 4% of travelers choosing it (–6 points).
Destination choices are mainly driven by perceptions of safety (20%), favorable weather conditions (15%), but also by value for money, which remains crucial. The mild Mediterranean climate and competitive prices act as powerful magnets for travelers seeking comfort and authenticity beyond the peak of the summer season.
Strong travel sentiment but… fewer trips
Overall, Europeans’ travel sentiment remains stable and dynamic. Despite economic pressures and seasonal changes, Europeans continue to prioritize travel, increasingly choosing Southern European destinations for the autumn and winter months.
73% plan to travel between October 2025 and March 2026 – a percentage that remains unchanged compared to the previous year. At the same time, 63% are planning trips outside their country, up 3% compared to last year, confirming the return of cross-border tourist mobility in Europe.
The desire to travel remains strong, but Europeans seem to be choosing fewer, but better quality trips. Almost half (45%) say they will take just one getaway in the next six months, while 34% are planning two and just 16% more than three. This is linked to a more mature and selective attitude towards holiday experiences.
Travelers aged 45–54 are leading the demand, while younger ages appear more restrained. More than half of travelers over 55 prefer a single trip, focusing on quality, comfort and experiential experiences.
A shift towards deep experiences
Another characteristic of the new trend is that 60% say they do not intend to travel between regions. City breaks (71%) and sun and sea holidays (68%) dominate, while culture and nature trips remain more multidisciplinary, combining different regions within the same country.
The plane remains the most popular means of transport (57%, +4%), while the car has a share of 25%, with a small but growing share of electric vehicles (4%). Trains remain in the background (13%).
