With the rare overlap of Orthodox and Catholic Easter, Greece’s 2025 tourism season has kicked off on a high note. Mainland hotels are reporting steady occupancy rates. Though the number of open hotels on popular islands like Santorini remains limited, they are already seeing a dual influx of domestic and international visitors. Urban-Rural Travel Patterns […]

As travel in Greece expands beyond Athens and its popular islands, Thessaloniki is gradually emerging as a new favorite among international visitors seeking to explore Greek culture and lifestyle. According to the latest 2024 tourism report, this northern port city is now being recognized as “Greece’s emerging tourism destination.” Thessaloniki: The Rising Star of Northern […]

Maritime Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the need for Chinese investments to enhance passenger mobility at the Port of Piraeus during talks with China’s Ambassador to Greece Fang Qiu. During discussions, the minister noted that such investments should focus on key infrastructure upgrades, including water supply systems, WiFi connectivity, the construction of additional passenger stations and […]

Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA) reported record financial results for the 2024 fiscal year, with notable growth in cruise operations and coastal shipping reinforcing the port’s strategic role in regional connectivity and tourism. Total revenue reached 230.9 million euros, an increase of five percent compared to 2023, while after-tax profits rose to 87.4 million euros, […]

Direct takings from tourism in the accommodation business, that is activities related to hotels and short-term rentals, exceeded 15 billion euros last year. This amount is expected to increase by between 5% and 8% to exceed €16 billion in this year’s tourism season, as the number of visitors is expected to reach 36 million people. […]

In 2024, guests spent 854.1 million nights in short-stay accommodation in the European Union (EU) booked through Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia Group, or TripAdvisor, Eurostat reports. This figure represents an increase of 18.8% compared to 2023 (719.0 million nights), setting a new record. With the exception of April, every month in 2024 saw a higher number […]

Mercan Group’s First Project in Greece: A Prime Location on the Ionian Riviera Located on the golden northern coast of Corfu, Greece, a brand-new resort—Acharavi Corfu Hotel—officially opened its doors in 2024. Developed and funded by international hotel developer Mercan Group, the project blends modern comfort, traditional charm, and sustainable values to deliver an immersive […]

According to the European Hotels Investor Intentions Survey 2025 by CBRE, hotel investment is increasingly being recognized as a long-term and stable asset class, with Portugal now ranking as the third most attractive destination in Europe for hotel investment — on par with the UK and just behind Spain and Italy. The report shows that […]

Athens is emerging as one of the top draws in Europe for American travelers this summer, ranking fifth in forecasted arrivals from the United States for July and August 2025, according to the latest data from travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys. The Greek capital is expected to welcome 258,000 visitors from the United States, accounting for […]

Greece has recently been building a name for luxury holidays, away from the traditional, low-cost sea-and-sun pattern of last century, offering greater value for money than its regional rivals. A recent survey by Kinglike Concierge shows that Greece is now the best-priced destination for five-star accommodation in Europe, with a week’s luxury holiday costing $200 less than […]

According to the latest data from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the Greece Golden Visa program has experienced unprecedented growth over the past two years, with application numbers reaching a record high. 1. Surge in Applications From early 2023 to the end of February 2025, the total number of residence permit applications under […]

Last year residential rates expanded by 8.7% from 2023 across Greece, per the central bank House prices showed an increase of 6.6% nationwide and 6.2% in Attica in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the indices compiled by the Bank of Greece. The growth rate continued to slow in Q4 although it certainly remains […]

As lifestyles continue to evolve in the post-pandemic era, homebuyers in Greece and across Europe are demonstrating new standards and preferences when selecting residential properties, particularly for second homes or vacation houses. The 2024 European Housing Trends Report, commissioned by RE/MAX Europe and conducted by Opinium Research, surveyed over 20,000 European adults, revealing key shifts […]

Greece’s real estate sector now accounts for nearly half of all investment from abroad Realty has become Greece’s primary magnet for foreign capital, with nearly half of all foreign direct investment (FDI) over the past two years flowing into property acquisitions, particularly residential realty. According to a recent analysis by the Center for Planning and […]

The number of US citizens residing in Portugal has accelerated in recent years, having increased more than sevenfold from 2017 until 2024.  According to Público and cited by idealista, in 2017, the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) registered 2,888 US citizens residing in Portugal. In 2024, according to data from the US embassy based on records from […]