Alongside the ever-popular Arachova and Kalavryta, which are perennial favorites for weekend getaways, this city is making a surprising appearance on the list of top travel destinations.
A Rising Travel Trend
Demand dictates price, and when a city becomes a sought-after travel destination, it’s only natural that the cost of everything there starts to rise. Arachova and Kalavryta are prime examples—these winter hotspots consistently maintain occupancy rates above 90%, whether there's a long weekend or not.
Their ski resorts fill up, DJs turn snowy mountains into party zones, and the vibrant après-ski scene attracts travelers from all over. But when one destination is expensive and packed, another remains quieter, offering a more affordable yet equally charming experience—just like Kilkis, which we’ve highlighted before.
One might expect the same to be true for Kastoria. While it’s not traditionally considered an expensive destination, its prices are gradually increasing as it gains popularity. For the weekend of March 21-23, Kastoria has recorded pre-booking rates reaching 90%, with accommodation costs for four nights starting at €417. That means an individual would need at least €150-200 for lodging, plus a minimum of another €150 for food and other expenses.
The Cost of Getaways
This shift in travel trends raises an interesting question: how do so many destinations reach full occupancy during every long weekend, despite the minimum travel cost hovering around €300 per person? If someone takes three such trips per year, adds summer holidays, and perhaps a trip abroad, they’re easily looking at a minimum annual travel budget of €3,500.
Beyond the Big Names: Where Else Are Travelers Heading?
Apart from Kastoria, Arachova and Kalavryta remain top choices, while villages in Arcadia, such as Zatouna and Karytaina, continue to attract visitors with 100% pre-booking rates. Dimitsana follows closely with an 86% occupancy rate, where a four-night rental for a family or group starts at €917. Similarly, Stemnitsa boasts an 85% occupancy rate, with accommodation costs starting at €632.
Other mainland destinations that remain high on travelers' lists include Nafplio, Nafpaktos, Messinia, Karpenisi, and Ioannina. Among these, Karpenisi and Ioannina have seen the highest occupancy rates, at 87% and 77%, respectively.
On the island front, Aegina and Kea (Tzia) are beginning to gain traction, though it’s still early in the season for a full influx of visitors. In about a month, their peak time will arrive.
The Ever-Popular Arachova & Kalavryta
As expected, Arachova saw an occupancy rate of 83% over the long weekend, with the lowest platform-listed accommodation price starting at €250 per person. While this might seem reasonable for such a high-demand location, the average cost for a four-night stay generally falls between €350-400, excluding food and other expenses.
Meanwhile, Kalavryta still offers last-minute deals, with two-night stays for two people on Airbnb or in hotels starting at €170-180—a relatively affordable €90-100 per person for lodging. However, staying closer to the ski resort significantly increases prices.
A Shift in Travel Mindset
Ultimately, given how much we already spend on daily life in the city, it makes sense to occasionally direct those expenses toward the countryside, where the experience is undoubtedly more refreshing than the urban hustle and bustle.
