Majority of vacationers in Greece hail from Germany
Greece, a haven of sun, sea, and rich history, is a magnet for tourists, particularly those from Germany. Approximately 36 million visitors flocked to Greece last year, with Germans accounting for 5.7 million – the largest and most significant group – marking a 12.7% increase from 2023.
Greek Tourism Confederation SETE and its research institute, INSETE, have attributed this growth to the increasing popularity of Greece among German vacationers. In second place are tourists from the UK, who contributed 4.7 million visitors, followed by 3 million from Bulgaria.
Furthermore, regional popularity has seen a surge, notably in the northern Aegean Sea. INSETE reports a 40% increase in visitors to this region, including islands such as Lesbos, Chios, and Samos. Over 230 million overnight stays and a revenue of over 20 billion euros were logged in total. On average, tourists spent six nights and around 523 euros during their stays.
Regional costs for tourists show a significant discrepancy, with visitors on average spending 770 euros on a visit to Crete, while those in Epirus, the northwest region, only budgeted 192 euros.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Greece's economy, accounting for nearly 30% of its gross domestic product, considering indirect impacts such as suppliers and supporting services.
Related factors contributing to Greece's popularity among German tourists include historical and cultural appeal, natural beauty, friendly locals, culinary delights, accessibility, and economic factors. The increased number of German tourists and the continued trend in 2025 are indicative of Greece's successful revival and improved tourism infrastructure.
Sources: ntv.de, hny/dpa
[1] Refers to Enrichment Data about the increase in German tourists from 2023 to 2024 and the expected trend for 2025.[2] Refers to Enrichment Data about the strategic planning and budgeting of German travelers that have not deterred them from choosing Greece as a travel destination.
The Greek Tourism Confederation SETE and its research institute, INSETE, have attributed the significant increase in the number of German tourists to the growing appeal of Greece's lifestyle, history, and natural beauty, as well as strategic planning and budgeting for travel. Additionally, regional variations in tourist expenditure demonstrate disparities in the lifestyle costs, with an average of 770 euros in Crete and 192 euros in Epirus, suggesting diverse tourism experiences within Greece.
