Greece remains one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations — a blend of ancient history, Mediterranean cuisine, and sun-soaked islands.
In 2024, Greece welcomed ~33.4 million international tourists, setting a new national record and surpassing even pre-pandemic highs.
Tourism continues to be Greece’s economic engine, contributing around 24% of GDP and supporting more than 850,000 jobs nationwide.
Key stats: Greece Tourism
- Over 40 million international visitors in 2024 — Greece hit an all-time record for arrivals, up 13% year-on-year.
- €21.6 billion in tourism revenue — a historic high that underscores the industry’s strength.
- About 5% annual growth — consistent expansion even after surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
- Attica, Southern Aegean, Central Macedonia, Crete and the Ionian Islands together drew nearly 33 million visits, showing how concentrated Greek tourism remains.
- Tourism contributes roughly 30% of Greece’s GDP, making it one of the country’s economic pillars.
- EU visitors spent €11.9 billion, while non-EU markets posted nearly 19% growth.
- German travelers led the pack, spending about €3.7 billion in 2024.
- Average stay shortened to around six nights, reflecting a trend toward shorter but more frequent trips.
- Hotels logged nearly 148 million overnight stays in 2024, a new record for accommodation demand.
- Greece solidified its place among Europe’s top tourism destinations, breaking both visitor and revenue records in 2024.
💡 Expert Insight — Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism (Greece)
“The record-breaking performance of Greek tourism in 2024 confirms that the country has evolved from a seasonal destination into a year-round powerhouse, combining heritage, hospitality, and innovation.”
How Many Tourists Visit Greece Each Year?
Greece received around 33.4 million international arrivals in 2024 — a historic record.
| Year | Visitors (Millions) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 31.3 | Pre-pandemic record |
| 2020 | 7.4 | COVID impact |
| 2021 | 14.7 | Partial recovery |
| 2022 | 27.8 | Rapid rebound |
| 2023 | 31.1 | +12% YoY |
| 2024 | 33.4 | New record |
How Many Tourists Visit Greece Each Day?
In 2024, Greece averaged ~91,500 international arrivals per day.
During peak summer months (June–August), daily arrivals regularly exceed 150,000.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Greece?
Total tourism revenue in 2024 reached a record €21.3 billion, up 9% year-over-year.
- 2022: €17.6B
- 2023: €19.6B
- 2024: €21.3B
- Average per-visitor spend: €637
- Tourism GDP share: ~24%
- Employment supported: 850,000+
💡 Expert Insight — Vasilis Kikilias, Former Tourism Minister
“Greece’s strategic investments in connectivity and sustainable infrastructure have allowed us to extend the tourism season and attract higher-spending visitors.”
Which Countries Visit Greece the Most?
Germany, the UK, Italy, and France remain Greece’s biggest source markets — with strong growth from the U.S. and Israel.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~4.8M | 14.3% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~4.5M | 13.5% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ~2.9M | 8.7% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~1.8M | 5.4% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ~1.5M | 4.5% |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | ~1.4M | 4.2% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~1.3M | 3.9% |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | ~1.1M | 3.3% |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | ~1.0M | 3% |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | ~900K | 2.7% |
💡 Expert Insight — Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)
“The diversification of inbound markets — particularly from the U.S. and Israel — reflects Greece’s global repositioning as a premium destination that combines culture, gastronomy, and sustainability.”
What Are the Most Visited Destinations in Greece?
While Athens leads in arrivals, island destinations dominate leisure tourism.
| Destination | Visitors (2024 est.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | ~7.2M | History, Acropolis, gastronomy |
| Santorini | ~2.3M | Iconic sunsets, luxury hotels |
| Crete | ~5.1M | Beaches, Knossos, family tourism |
| Rhodes | ~2.6M | Heritage, castles, nightlife |
| Thessaloniki | ~1.8M | Culture, cuisine, events |
| Corfu | ~1.4M | British & Italian influence |
| Mykonos | ~1.2M | Luxury, clubs, Aegean charm |
| Zakynthos | ~1.1M | Navagio Beach, families |
| Naxos | ~700K | Relaxed Cycladic island |
| Paros | ~600K | Boutique island experience |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Greece? (Seasonality)
Greece is increasingly a year-round destination, but summer remains peak season.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Moderate | Blossoms, ideal for sightseeing |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak | Hot weather, island crowds |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | High | Warm seas, fewer crowds |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Moderate | City breaks, ski tourism emerging |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Greece?
Cultural and religious events continue to drive domestic and international travel.
| Event | Location | Month | Visitors (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens Epidaurus Festival | Athens / Epidaurus | Jun–Sep | ~100K |
| Thessaloniki International Film Festival | Thessaloniki | Nov | ~70K |
| Greek Easter | Nationwide | Apr | Millions (domestic & international) |
| Patras Carnival | Patras | Feb–Mar | ~400K |
| Santorini Jazz Festival | Santorini | Jul | ~25K |
| Rockwave Festival | Malakasa (Athens) | Jul | ~50K |
| Athens Marathon | Athens | Nov | ~60K |
💡 Expert Insight — Yiannis Retsos, President, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE)
“Our goal is to maintain growth while protecting the natural and cultural assets that define Greece — sustainable tourism is not just a slogan; it’s a strategic priority.”
How Much Money Does Greece Make From Tourism?
Tourism generated €21.3B in 2024 — roughly one in every four euros of the national economy.
- Tourism = ~24% of GDP
- 850K+ jobs supported
- 2025 forecast: €22B+ in receipts
Which Cities Are the Most Popular for Urban Tourism in Greece?
Athens and Thessaloniki dominate city tourism, combining ancient heritage with modern culture.
| City | Visitors (2024 est.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | ~7.2M | Acropolis, museums, nightlife |
| Thessaloniki | ~1.8M | Food, Byzantine heritage |
| Heraklion | ~1.1M | Crete’s cultural hub |
| Chania | ~800K | Venetian harbor |
| Rhodes Town | ~700K | Medieval Old Town |
FAQ – Greece Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Greece each year?
~33.4 million in 2024 — an all-time record.
Which country sends the most visitors?
Germany (4.8M) and the UK (4.5M).
How much does tourism contribute to Greece’s economy?
Around 24% of GDP and over 850,000 jobs.
When is the best time to visit?
May–October for islands; November–March for cultural travel.
Which Greek island is most popular?
Crete (5.1M visitors), followed by Santorini and Rhodes.
How much do tourists spend?
€21.3B total in 2024; ~€637 per visitor on average.
Sources
- Bank of Greece — Travel Services Statistics 2024
- Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) — Arrivals and Overnight Stays in Greece 2024
- SETE Intelligence — Greek Tourism Performance Reports 2024
- Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) — Official Tourism Data & Strategy
- Ministry of Tourism, Greece — Press Releases and Economic Reports 2024–2025
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