ForwardKeys | Heraklion and Thessaloniki among the top Easter destinations in Europe

Heraklion and Thessaloniki stand out among the most popular European destinations for the Easter period of 2025, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys. The two Greek cities are recording a significant increase in demand, with an increase of 0.4 to 0.5 percentage points in the share of air searches, consolidating their position in the Spring tourism landscape.
This increase reflects a broader trend: More Europeans are choosing a spring break this year, with searches for flights between April 7 and 21 showing a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This year’s late Easter date is combined with better weather conditions, making sun and sea even more attractive.

Demand for “sun and beach” destinations is particularly strong, with a 59% increase compared to last year. The eastern Mediterranean and the Greek islands are among the big winners, along with the Turkish and Spanish markets.

Mediterranean destinations are popular

According to the same data, in addition to Heraklion and Thessaloniki, other Mediterranean destinations are also showing strong momentum, such as Palma de Mallorca, Istanbul, and Antalya. This boost highlights the strategic importance of Mediterranean markets during the Easter period while also acting as a precursor to the summer season.

Cities “receding” – experiences “rising”

Although urban destinations continue to be a pole of attraction, their share appears to have decreased slightly. Cities such as Amsterdam, Geneva, London, and Paris lose up to 0.9 percentage points. The shift towards more authentic, experiential experiences – particularly among travelers aged 18-54 – appears to be playing a catalytic role in destination choices.

Luis Millan, Head of Research at ForwardKeys, notes that “the increase in interest in coastal and Mediterranean destinations reflects both seasonal and behavioral changes.” At the same time, Douglas Quinby, CEO of Arival, emphasizes the importance of experiences in travel planning: “Travelers – especially younger generations – choose destinations based on the activities and experiences they offer.”

For Greek destinations, the above is not only an opportunity to boost tourism at Easter but also an important indicator of the dynamics of the following season.

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