Airbnb is expanding in Greece at a record pace

A new record has been set in the number of short-term rental accommodations in Greece in June 2025, reaching 242 thousand, an increase of 17,000 compared to June 2024. According to data from Lighthouse processed by INSETE, June broke the previous record of May 2025 (236 thousand accommodations), which was the highest figure since 2019. At the same time, the data highlights a strengthening of international demand for our country starting as early as April.

Specifically, in January there were 213 thousand short-term rental accommodations in the country (+23 thousand compared to 190 thousand in January 2024), in February 216 thousand (+20 thousand from 196 thousand in 2024), and in March 222 thousand (+18 thousand compared to 204 thousand in March 2024).

The second quarter also started positively, with 228 thousand accommodations recorded in April (+16 thousand compared to 212 thousand in April 2024), 236 thousand in May (+18 thousand compared to 218 thousand in May 2024), and 242 thousand in June (+17 thousand compared to 225 thousand in June 2024). The continuous increase further strengthens the upward momentum established since the beginning of the year.

Six-year record for the number of beds in May and June 2025

The number of available beds for short-term rentals also follows a steady upward trend, having already exceeded 1 million from April 2025, much earlier compared to July 2024, which is traditionally a peak month for tourism.

Specifically, in January beds reached 947 thousand (+102 thousand compared to 845 thousand in January 2024), in February 961 thousand (+84 thousand compared to 877 thousand in February 2024), and in March 981 thousand (+76 thousand compared to 907 thousand in 2024). The second quarter started strongly, with April recording 1,008 thousand beds (+73 thousand compared to 935 thousand in April 2024), May 1,038 thousand (+76 thousand more than 962 thousand in May 2024), and June 1,061 thousand (+70 thousand compared to 991 thousand in June 2024). May and June marked a six-year record, with the next highest figure being August 2024 (1,023 thousand).

Stable occupancy rates in June

Occupancy rates of short-term rental accommodations, after an increase in the first two months of 2025, stabilized in March compared to the same period in 2024, despite the increase in available accommodations and beds. The second quarter showed mild fluctuations, ending in relative stability.

Specifically, in January occupancy was 14%, an increase of 2 percentage points compared to 2024 (12%). In February, the increase was stronger, with occupancy at 15%, compared to 10% last year (+5 percentage points). In March, occupancy remained at 17%, similar to March 2024. The second quarter started positively, with April occupancy rising to 26%, up 3 percentage points from 23% in April 2024. In May, the first decline in occupancy for 2025 was recorded, at 28%, 2 percentage points lower than 30% in May 2024. Finally, in June occupancy remained stable at 40%, the same as June 2024.

International demand strengthens from April

But who stays in these accommodations? The data shows that the short-term rental market in Greece exhibits continuous strengthening of international demand from April, and especially from May, a month traditionally considered a precursor to the high season.

Specifically, there is an increasing reliance on foreign visitors, following an upward trend month by month. In January, foreigners accounted for 60% of the total, in February their share increased to 64%, and in March they reached 69%.

The start of the second quarter further strengthened the dominance of foreigners, with April visitors representing 86% and May 92% — the highest monthly share of foreigners recorded during the year, and the second highest since 2019, after the 93% recorded in September 2023 and 2024. Historically, a 92% share appeared once before, in June 2022.

Finally, in June, the dominance of foreigners remains at the same high level, with 92% foreigners versus 8% locals. This performance confirms the ongoing momentum of foreign visitors in the short-term rental market.

Increase in average length of stay in May and June

Regarding the average length of stay, the second quarter of 2025 shows a mild recovery compared to last year, partly reversing the widespread decline recorded in the first quarter.

Specifically, in January the average stay was 3.1 nights (-3.1% compared to 3.2 in 2024), in February 3.2 nights (-11.1% compared to 3.6 in 2024), and in March 3.4 nights (-2.9% compared to 3.5 in 2024).

With the start of the second quarter, in April the average stay was 3.7 nights, at the same level as April 2024. In May, the average stay increased to 3.6 nights, marking the first increase for 2025, up 5.9% compared to 3.4 nights in May 2024. In June, the average stay increased further to 3.8 nights, up 2.7% compared to 3.7 in 2024.