Greece is gearing up for a busy Easter 2025, with visitor numbers and travel buzz that rival the peak of summer. One island in particular is stealing the spotlight, reaching near-capacity bookings—even though it’s typically overlooked during the warmer months. Thanks to its proximity to Athens, rich traditions, and timely price adjustments, Hydra is expected to be at 90% occupancy this Easter.
Hydra: The Island Making a Seasonal Comeback
Known for its timeless charm and deep-rooted Easter customs, Hydra consistently draws visitors during Orthodox Easter. Its close distance to the capital makes it an ideal short break destination. However, despite its charm, Hydra doesn't attract the same summer crowd as the Cyclades or Ionian islands—it’s more of a hidden gem than a trendy hotspot.
This Easter, though, it’s anything but quiet.
According to data from the E-Real Estates Network, a three-night stay in a two-bedroom home on Hydra can cost up to €1,375, a price tag that might raise eyebrows but hasn’t slowed demand. In fact, many of the island’s family-sized accommodations have already been snapped up on short-term rental platforms.
A Surge in Bookings Across the Saronic Gulf
Hydra isn't the only island seeing a boom. Nearby Spetses is close behind with 78% pre-booking rates, and similar patterns are emerging across other popular spots near Athens:
Aegina: 78% occupancy, with prices starting around €366 for three nights.
Agistri: 75% occupancy, starting from €306.
The appeal? Accessibility and affordability—especially when ferry ticket prices remain a key factor in travelers' decisions.
Cyclades and Beyond: A Broader Easter Travel Trend
It’s not just the Saronic islands seeing action. Several Cycladic destinations are showing unexpectedly strong performance:
Tinos: Nearly 88% full, with prices ranging from €445 (Agios Romanos) to €624 (Chora).
Syros (Ermoupoli): 87% booked, with listings like a 61 m² home going for around €492.
Patmos: With its spiritual significance and revered Easter traditions, it's reached 86% in pre-bookings, and accommodations in Grikos cost around €475.
And then there’s Corfu, a perennial favorite for its grand Easter celebrations. The island has reached 82% occupancy, with a central three-night stay starting at €659.
Lower Prices, Bigger Crowds
While prices in some areas like Hydra remain high, overall, the market is seeing noticeable price corrections. Once notoriously expensive destinations like Mykonos and Santorini have lowered their accommodation costs, making them more accessible to a broader range of travelers.
This trend is fueling both domestic and international demand, allowing more Greek families to travel during the holiday season while also attracting foreign visitors eager to experience Easter the Greek way.
Easter Travel: A Summer-Like Boom in April
This year’s travel data sends a clear message: Easter has evolved into a major travel moment, approaching summer-level intensity. And with accommodation prices dipping in key markets, more people are seizing the opportunity to travel earlier in the year.
The takeaway? The tourism season is heating up ahead of schedule, and if Easter is any indication, summer 2025 could be a record-breaker.
Whether it's for the spiritual traditions, scenic getaways, or simple proximity, islands like Hydra are proving that Easter in Greece is no longer a quiet prelude to summer—it’s the main event.
