Greece Tourism Sees Sharp Price Hikes in Hotels and Flights for 2026
Official data reveals that hotel prices in Greece surged by 27.6% and airfares jumped by 32.9% in October 2026. Despite higher travel costs, the country is heading toward a record-breaking tourism season.
Vacations in Greece, long favored by international and Israeli travelers for their affordability and proximity, have become significantly more expensive, official data confirms.
Surging Prices Across Hotels and Flights
Recent figures published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority reveal that hotel prices in Greece surged by 27.6% in October 2026 compared to the same period last year, while airfares recorded an even sharper jump of 32.9%. This upward trend follows a dramatic September, which saw hotel rates climb by nearly 30% and flight prices rise by 22%, placing the country near the top of the European Union for inflation in travel costs.
Travelers are also feeling the pinch in other areas of their holidays. Vacation packages increased by 6.2% over the past year, while restaurant and café prices rose by 4.7%. Entertainment and cultural activities grew by nearly 5%. Furthermore, gasoline prices spiked by 25%, and diesel jumped by over 39%, heavily impacting car rental expenses.
Driving Factors and Record Tourism
The primary driver behind these price hikes is Greece's domestic inflation, which currently stands at 5.7%—one of the highest rates in the eurozone. Rising energy, fuel, and housing costs are pushing overall expenditures up, with the tourism sector passing these increases directly onto visitors. However, European-wide indices that factor in foreign tourist spending show a more moderate, though still substantial, 10.4% increase in hotel, restaurant, and café prices.
Despite the rising costs, Greece continues to break tourism records. Between January and August, the country welcomed 28.5 million visitors—a 10% increase over the previous year—generating 18.2 billion euros in revenue. Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni recently stated at a London tourism exhibition that the nation is steadily heading toward its fourth consecutive record-breaking year.
For Israeli travelers, Greece remains a top destination due to its geographical proximity and extensive flight options. According to the Israel Airports Authority (IAA), Greece maintained its position as the most popular foreign destination with 200,280 passengers, accounting for 10.60% of total international traffic, despite a slight 6.69% decrease compared to October 2025.
