Tourism | Crete, Naxos, Lefkada, and Zakynthos Among U.S. Hotspots This Summer

Crete, Naxos, Lefkada, and Zakynthos are emerging as top travel hotspots for summer 2025, showing a remarkable surge in demand from American tourists, according to the latest data from HomeToGo. The popular accommodation rental platform analyzed exclusive search data and highlighted key travel trends shaping the U.S. market, revealing a significant shift toward European destinations and more authentic vacation experiences.

Strong Momentum for Crete
Crete stands out as one of the fastest-rising European destinations for American travelers in 2025, with a staggering +390% year-over-year increase in searches—ranking the island at the top of trending international destinations. Demand is mostly driven by summer getaways, reflecting Crete’s appeal as an authentic, natural, and cultural destination that goes beyond the ordinary.

Lesser-Known Cyclades Gaining Ground
Naxos also shows an impressive +327% increase, confirming that American tourists are now seeking experiences beyond the usual postcard image of Santorini and Mykonos. The island's authenticity, quiet beaches, local cuisine, and traditional architecture are drawing in visitors from the U.S. who are looking to “live like locals.”

Investing in the Blue Waters of the Ionian
Lefkada and Zakynthos, with annual increases of +189% and +175% respectively, are also climbing the list of popular new travel choices for Americans. Traditionally not among the top Greek destinations for U.S. tourists, these Ionian islands are gaining traction thanks to their natural beauty, stunning beaches, and more moderate tourism development.

Summer 2025 Travel Trends from the U.S.
HomeToGo reports an overall +11% rise in search volume from U.S. travelers for international trips, which now make up 35% of all searches on the platform. Additional insights include:

Longer stays: The average trip length has increased by +9%, now reaching 10 days, suggesting a stronger focus on quality and extended vacations.

Group bookings: These are on a steady rise, with an average of 5 travelers per booking.

Europe in the Spotlight
Europe dominates American travel preferences for 2025, with 100% of the top 10 countries and 80% of the top 10 destinations located on the continent. In addition to Crete and the Greek islands, other trending European spots include:

Alicante, Spain (+552%)

Ibiza and Menorca

Lake Garda in Italy, which is gaining popularity over the traditionally favored Lake Como

Authentic Experiences Over Mainstream Spots
American travelers appear to be shifting away from the well-known and crowded tourist destinations in favor of areas that offer genuine local character and a slower pace. In this context, Greece seems well-positioned to shine this summer, leveraging its diverse island offerings and strong cultural identity.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence
New technologies are playing a key role in shaping the travel planning experience. According to HomeToGo’s research:

53% of Americans say they will use or are considering using AI tools to plan their vacations.

The platform has introduced AI Mode and AI Sunny, digital assistants that provide personalized suggestions and information—enhancing usability and decision-making during trip planning.