Airbnb Demand Soars in Greece This Autumn – Prices and Occupancy Rates Revealed

As the summer crowds fade, Greece's short-term rental market is bucking the trend with surging demand for Airbnb-style accommodations well into autumn, according to the latest AirDNA report.

While European cities grapple with new restrictions curbing listings, the Hellenic market remains robust, drawing savvy travelers seeking milder weather and fewer tourists.

AirDNA's September review paints a bright picture for Greece: Demand for stays jumped 4.3% year-on-year, outpacing a 3.9% rise in supply to keep the market balanced. "Travelers are extending their Greek holidays beyond peak season," the report notes, highlighting the country's appeal as a flexible, year-round destination – especially for sun-kissed islands and coastal spots.

Average daily rates (ADR) dipped 4% to €169, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) fell 2% to €100, reflecting the post-summer slowdown. Occupancy climbed 2% to 59% from last September – though it plunged from August's 76% high. This underscores Greece's heavy reliance on summer tourism, but experts see a silver lining: A gradual shift toward shoulder seasons (March-May and September-October).

Why Greeks and Global Visitors Are Flocking Off-Peak
Changing traveler habits are driving this boom. Soaring summer heatwaves, lower autumn prices, and overtourism fatigue are pushing visitors to cooler, quieter months. "Greeks themselves are rediscovering their islands in September," says AirDNA analyst Maria Kostopoulos, noting how locals and expats snap up deals amid milder 25°C temps.

In Athens, shoulder-season demand now claims 41% of annual bookings – up from 39% in 2019 – while summer's share slipped from 32% to 30%. Winter holds steady at 29%, cementing the capital as a 365-day hub for culture vultures.

Rhodes tells a similar tale: Intermediate months now account for 41% of stays (vs. 39% in 2019), with summer edging down from 51% to 50%. Even winter's slim 9-11% slice is growing as visitors extend trips for hiking and heritage tours.

"This structural shift spreads tourism evenly across the year," AirDNA concludes. Milder climes, bargain rates, and thinner crowds benefit urban Athens and leisure islands alike – a win for Greek hosts earning steady income.

Europe Stabilizes Amid Rental Caps – But Greece Thrives
Across the continent, short-term rentals grew steadily post-summer highs. Listings rose 2.3% to 4 million, with demand up 3.6% for 46 million nights. Regulatory squeezes in cities like Barcelona and Rome are slowing supply growth, boosting occupancy and RevPAR: Spain +4%, Italy +2%.

Yet Greece dodges the worst, thanks to balanced growth and no major curbs. "Our market's resilience highlights Greece's edge in the Mediterranean," says Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. For hosts, it's a green light to list now – with occupancy poised to rise as European peers tighten belts.

As Greece eyes 2026, AirDNA forecasts continued shoulder-season gains. Travelers: Book early for Rhodes' autumn sun or Athens' Acropolis without the queues. Hosts: Your off-peak listings could be gold.