For years now, the Greek digital landscape has been caught in a race to identify “the next Mykonos” or “the new Santorini.” Everyone's been on the lookout for the island that would inherit the best of what these tourism giants once offered—authentic charm, manageable prices, and tasteful luxury. But that narrative is starting to feel dated.
We're no longer just searching for a new Mykonos or an alternative Santorini. Those titles have already been claimed—by Paros and Tinos. These once-underrated Cycladic islands quickly entered the realm of "too much" in both tourism and cost. So now, the hunt is on for the next Paros and Tinos.
Is Ios the Next Big Thing?
Milos is often cited as a contender. But according to 2025 pre-booking data from Nelios, Ios appears to be the rising star—poised to follow in the footsteps of Paros and Mykonos as the Cycladic island with booming momentum.
Paros Is Peaking: A 21% Increase in Tourist Revenue
Although the year began cautiously, with direct bookings down 15% in Q1, there are clear signs of recovery and optimism as 2025 progresses.
Q2 showed a modest yet positive 1% uptick in bookings.
Q3, the peak summer period, saw an 8% surge.
Q4, traditionally a quiet season for tourism, defied expectations with a striking 25% increase, indicating that demand is now stretching well beyond the summer months.
Even more impressive is the growth in tourist spending. Revenues jumped by 10% in Q3 and skyrocketed 35% in Q4. This suggests not only rising visitor numbers, but a more affluent, experience-driven traveler base.
Average nightly rates followed a similar trajectory: up 5% during summer and 18% in the final quarter. This resilience is notable, especially in a landscape affected by global uncertainty and regional challenges, including seismic activity in parts of Greece.
Overall, the tourism sector in the Cyclades is showing remarkable resilience and adaptability. Businesses that have embraced direct bookings and enhanced digital experiences are seeing greater stability and profitability. If this trend continues, 2025 could outperform initial projections—highlighting the power of innovation, flexibility, and direct engagement with travelers.
Destinations on the Rise
Pre-bookings for 2025 reveal a significant reshuffling of interest across Greece, with many regions—both island and mainland—gaining steady momentum. Travelers are increasingly opting for less saturated destinations while domestic tourism and off-season travel are also gaining traction.
Mainland Winners: Thessaly and Halkidiki
The biggest surprises? Thessaly and Halkidiki, both showing pre-booking increases exceeding 100%. This dramatic shift points to a changing tourism map in Greece. Halkidiki, in particular, benefits from its natural beauty, strategic proximity to Thessaloniki, and increased international exposure.
Epirus: The Rising All-Season Star
Epirus continues to grow as a year-round destination, with bookings up 62%. The Pelion Peninsula stands out with a remarkable 73% increase, while Parga is also gaining momentum (+35%), strengthening its reputation as a rising hotspot.
Top Island Performers by Region
Crete maintains its stronghold with an impressive 48% growth in bookings.
Agios Nikolaos leads the way, doubling its bookings (+100%).
Rethymno and Chania also post solid gains (+45% and +40%, respectively), reinforcing Crete’s image as a diverse and all-inclusive destination.
The Ionian Islands make a comeback, with a 38% overall increase.
Corfu tops the group with a 27% boost compared to 2024.
Smaller islands in the complex are also experiencing positive trends.
The Dodecanese are on the rise (+21%), with Rhodes showing strong resilience and a stable +9% growth.
The North Aegean may not post large spikes, but it maintains a loyal visitor base, suggesting long-term sustainability. No single island dominates, but consistency defines the region.
Among the Cyclades, Naxos is up 14%, while Ios stands out with a dramatic 38% increase—a clear sign that travelers are seeking more authentic, less overrun experiences.
Fun fact: Ios currently boasts the highest density of luxury hotels in the Cyclades. Its beaches and charming alleyways are winning over even the most discerning travelers.
Mainland Alternatives Gaining Ground
Interest in cosmopolitan mainland escapes is also on the rise:
Katerini: +24%
Porto Heli: +17%
Arachova: +6%
These destinations are solidifying their place in the travel calendar, helping position Greece as a year-round tourism powerhouse.
Looking Ahead: Authenticity, Quality, and Reachability
Greece’s tourism scene is no longer just about sun and sea. Travelers today are seeking authenticity, quality, and ease of access—and 2025 is shaping up to deliver just that. With growing diversity in destinations and a strong upward trend in bookings and revenue, this year may prove to be one of the most successful yet.
If this momentum holds, 2025 could redefine what travel in Greece looks like, offering exciting opportunities for regions across the country—not just the usual suspects.
