Travel demand for the October 28 holiday weekend appears more subdued this year, with Greek travel agencies reporting an average 30 percent drop in bookings compared to 2024.
The national holiday falls on a Tuesday, limiting the number of people able to plan extended getaways, while many consumers are choosing to curb discretionary spending between the summer and Christmas seasons.
According to data collected by the Hellenic Federation of Travel and Tourist Agencies (FedHATTA), the decline is more pronounced in individual travel, while organized package tours have seen milder reductions. Many Greeks are also opting to spend the long weekend at their secondary residences, particularly in popular mountain and coastal destinations.
Within Greece, demand is centered on well-known winter and nature destinations such as Tzoumerka, Zagorochoria, Mani, Pelion, Kastoria, Lake Plastira and the Peloponnese. Organized three- or four-day tours remain popular, with indicative packages including the Mani Peninsula (from 368 euros), Zagorochoria (399 euros), Syvota (405 euros), Tzoumerka (378 euros), Kastoria (369 euros), and Prespes (421 euros). Shorter self-drive breaks remain a strong trend, with four-star weekend stays in destinations like Nafplio and Pelion starting at around 145 euros.
International travel
For international travel, demand is holding close to last year’s levels, mainly focused on four- and five-day European city breaks. Top choices include Paris (from 715 euros), London (795 euros), Poland (745 euros) and Budapest (499 euros). Interest is also strong for Dubai (995 euros), while other favored options include the Italian cities, Prague, Vienna, Morocco and Tunisia.
Commenting on current trends, FedHATTA President Lysandros Tsilidis described the October 28 holiday as “a transitional travel period” between summer and Christmas, noting that many travelers are expected to book at the last minute.
“With good availability and a range of offers, there is still time for demand to improve in the days ahead,” he added.
October 28 marks Greece’s “Ohi Day,” a national holiday commemorating the country’s entry into World War II in 1940.
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