Top Global Destinations for Work and Vacations in 2025 – Athens Ranks 12th

Athens is rising significantly on the global map of cities that ideally combine work and vacation, claiming 12th place among 40 major cities, according to the third annual “Work from Anywhere Barometer” by IWG. This is an impressive distinction for the Greek capital, confirming its growing appeal for digital nomads, hybrid workers, and professionals seeking to work remotely in destinations with strong tourist appeal.

Tokyo Takes the Lead
At the top of the 2025 list is Tokyo, pushing last year’s winner Budapest to a lower position and placing Rio de Janeiro in second. Tokyo stood out for its advanced tech infrastructure, new digital nomad visa, and access to nature—scoring high in areas such as internet speed, sustainability, and flexible workspaces.

Athens Climbs the Ranks
Athens’ 12th place marks its growing role on the global “map” of the new hybrid work reality. The Greek capital benefits from a blend of good weather, rich culture, modern coworking spaces, and—most importantly—its ability to offer a vacation experience with the Acropolis in view, nearby beaches, and easy island access.

The city was evaluated across 12 criteria, including cost of living, quality of life, access to natural landscapes, food scene, cultural offerings, and infrastructure for flexible work. Greece is also one of the countries offering a digital nomad visa, boosting long-term stays for foreign professionals.

A New Work Model: Flexibility and Freedom
The IWG report, created with Arup, highlights major global shifts in work culture. Over 60% of hybrid workers say they are more likely to extend vacations by adding remote workdays, while 78% consider location flexibility a key factor when choosing a job.

The data also shows that working from anywhere boosts productivity (87%), reduces burnout (85%), and improves work-life balance (87%).

Companies embracing flexible workspaces may see up to 11% productivity growth over the next five years. Flexibility also plays a vital role in retaining talent, with employees being three times more likely to stay in roles that offer location choice.

Tourism and Economic Benefits
Athens’ rise in this ranking is not just symbolic—it highlights the strategic role of remote work in promoting high-quality, long-stay tourism. Digital nomads and hybrid workers tend to spend more, stay longer, and seek premium services, boosting the local economy year-round, not just in peak summer months.

Thanks to investments in tech infrastructure, public transport improvements, and increased coworking spaces, Athens now competes with cities like Rome (8th), Paris (9th), and Lisbon (7th). This recognition is a golden opportunity for Greek tourism, the City of Athens, and hospitality professionals to design targeted campaigns and services for this growing visitor segment.

Next Steps
With hybrid work becoming the norm, cities that invest in technology, quality services, and better everyday living will gain a competitive edge. Athens appears to be on the right path, but continuing its upward trend requires focused efforts—like simplifying processes for digital nomads and further improving infrastructure.

In a time when the line between work and vacation is fading, Athens has the potential to become the Mediterranean’s model hybrid capital.