Easter 2025: Greeks Rediscover Island Escapes with Surge in Hidden Gem Travel

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As Greeks celebrated Easter 2025, the nation’s love for island escapes remained strong, with travellers flocking to both iconic and lesser-known destinations, according to booking data from Ferryscanner.

Top Destinations and Emerging Favorites

Traditional hotspots like Corfu, Aegina, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Kea, Syros, Andros, Crete, and Kythira topped the list of preferred destinations. Popular ferry routes from Athens’ ports—Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio—served islands such as Aegina, Paros, Tinos, Kea, Andros, Syros, Mykonos, Hydra, Kythnos, and Crete’s Heraklion and Chania. These routes highlight the appeal of both accessible nearby islands and more distant retreats, offering travellers flexibility to tailor their holidays.

However, 2025 saw a remarkable shift toward under-the-radar destinations. Islands and coastal areas like Donousa, Sfakia and Loutro in Crete, Kos, Skopelos, Methana, Samos, Aegina, Kalymnos, Lefkimi in Corfu, Hydra, Anafi, Nisyros, Skyros, and Kythira recorded booking surges ranging from 20% to an astonishing 900% compared to 2024. This trend reflects a growing desire among Greeks to explore hidden gems and less commercialised locales.

Family Travel and Vehicle Flexibility

Ferryscanner’s data reveals that 9% of Easter travelers were families with at least one child under 17, underscoring the platform’s reliability for family-friendly holidays. Additionally, one in three travellers brought their vehicle, emphasisng the importance of flexible, independent travel options for exploring Greece’s diverse landscapes.

Affordable Fares Amid High Demand

Despite the spike in demand, ferry ticket prices remained stable or slightly decreased compared to 2024. The average ticket price per passenger from Piraeus dropped to €49 from €51, while vehicle fares fell to €92 from €97. From Rafina, passenger tickets averaged €31 (down from €37), and vehicle fares were €63 (down from €67). These reductions demonstrate Ferryscanner’s commitment to keeping island travel affordable for Greeks.

A Season of Exploration

This Easter, Greeks reaffirmed their deep connection to the sea and their islands, blending tradition with a spirit of discovery. Whether visiting beloved classics or venturing to quieter shores, travelers showcased the enduring allure of Greece’s island treasures.

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