This Easter season, Greek travelers are clearly expanding their horizons, showing a growing appetite for destinations beyond the traditional European getaways. And one destination, in particular, is making waves — not only leading the pack in terms of demand, but also redefining what it means to take a spring holiday. Surprisingly, it's not in Europe at all, but in Africa — a shift that marks a new chapter in Greek travel culture.

A New Travel Mindset

What we’re witnessing is the evolution of a more mature and experience-driven travel mindset. Greek travelers are now looking for authenticity, culture, and immersive exploration. Instead of returning to well-trodden paths, they’re drawn to places that offer something unique — a deeper connection with local culture, nature, and less commercialized experiences.

The Trending Destinations for Easter 2025

According to recent data from AEGEAN Airlines, several up-and-coming cities are climbing fast in popularity. Among them:

Marrakesh – Exotic, vibrant, and culturally rich, this North African city has emerged as a top choice, offering a compelling alternative to European city breaks.
Porto – Romantic and artistic, with a deep-rooted culinary heritage.
Krakow – A city steeped in history, yet fresh and dynamic.
Malta – Sun-soaked and historic, perfect for a Mediterranean getaway.
Edinburgh – A blend of medieval charm and modern cool.

At the same time, there’s increased interest in lesser-known European gems that were previously under the radar for most Greek travelers:

Chisinau, Moldova
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Sofia, Bulgaria
Dubrovnik, Croatia

The rise in popularity of these destinations highlights a growing desire for more genuine travel experiences — places where visitors can enjoy authenticity away from the heavy crowds of mainstream tourism.

Easter Travel Trends: A Broader Shift

This year’s Easter period has seen an impressive travel rebound, with AEGEAN reporting seat occupancy rates as high as 95%. The overlap of Orthodox and Catholic Easter acted as a catalyst, boosting travel flows to and from Greece. Many international visitors chose to experience Easter in Greece, while Greek families took advantage of the school holidays and remote work flexibility to extend their spring getaways.

Passenger movement peaked on Holy Thursday, as the majority of travelers departed from Athens and Thessaloniki, with the return wave expected between April 23 and 26. This longer travel window reflects a broader trend: travelers are no longer limiting themselves to short holiday bursts — they’re embracing more time away.

Top International Easter Getaways

As always, European capitals such as Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Lisbon remain steady Easter favorites, offering the perfect blend of cultural events and festive ambiance.

But there’s growing enthusiasm for more niche and charming alternatives like Malta, Izmir, and Dubrovnik, which are quickly carving out reputations as stylish yet offbeat Easter destinations.

Greece's Most Popular Domestic Destinations

Domestically, the demand is just as strong. From both Athens and Thessaloniki, AEGEAN reports a surge in travel to beloved island destinations — both iconic and lesser-known — as Easter traditions and scenic beauty continue to attract travelers.

Leading the way:

Rhodes – The top Greek Easter destination, thanks to its rich heritage and festive traditions.
Crete – Especially Heraklion and Chania, known for vibrant celebrations and local charm.
The Cyclades – With Santorini making a strong comeback.
Corfu, Kos, and Chios – Holding steady in popularity due to their unique Easter customs and striking natural beauty.

These islands remain in high demand not just for their looks, but for the meaningful experiences they offer — from candlelit processions to traditional feasts and community celebrations.

Last-Minute Travel? Still Possible

Despite high demand, AEGEAN has ensured availability for last-minute travelers on select routes. For those flying abroad, seats are still available to cities like Rome, Milan, Prague, Budapest, Catania, and Valencia.

Within Greece, there are still open spots on certain domestic flights to popular islands, making spontaneous Easter escapes a real possibility.

As Greek travelers continue to venture off the beaten path, Easter 2025 marks a shift in preferences — one that embraces exploration, authenticity, and meaningful connection. Whether heading to the vibrant souks of Marrakesh or the cobbled alleys of Chania, the season’s message is clear: the world is wide, and Greeks are ready to see more of it.