Demand for beach holidays in Greece for the summer of 2026 has doubled. Tour operators report that Greece's beach destinations are booking significantly better than last year. The destination is among the top 5 most booked in Europe for the 2026 summer season.
Tez Tour has recorded a 57% increase, Pac Group has seen a 10% increase, Space Travel has seen a 15% increase, Intourist has seen a 15-20% increase, and PAX has doubled the number of tours booked in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2025. Ambotis Holidays also notes that demand for Greek resorts is significantly higher this year.
According to experts, the growing popularity of summer travel to Greece is largely due to the country's efficient visa issuance and the ease of access to its resorts compared to other destinations. At this time, most airlines already announce their flight schedules for the remainder of the season, and flight options expand. Even with the uncertainty surrounding Middle Eastern connections, flights via Istanbul and ferry connections from Turkish cities remain popular.
According to tour operators, Russian tourists' preferences for Greece for the summer of 2026 have not changed. 5-star hotels continue to account for the majority of bookings, while interest in all-inclusive packages remains high, with tourists choosing a familiar product with a predictable level of service.
In terms of geography, all surveyed tour operators agree: Greek islands are the most popular destination. Demand is primarily distributed between Rhodes and Kos, Crete, and Corfu. In mainland Greece, popular destinations include Khalkidhiki, the Athenian Riviera, and the Peloponnese.
Greece remains one of the most accredited countries in the Schengen Area, according to tour operators, most of whom are accredited with Greek consulates in the capital and the regions. In Moscow, for example, Greek Schengen visas are now processed in an average of 15 calendar days - one of the fastest among Schengen Area countries. In the regions, the processing time depends on the delivery date: a minimum of four days or more.
Photo: High Beach Hotel, Crete, Greece
