Greece Holds Steady Among Aussie Travellers
There’s something deeply reassuring about seeing Greece still sit high on the travel radar for Australians. While the world races to the next big thing, we’re over here quietly booking longer stays in our favourite corner of the Med. New research from INSETE, the Greek tourism body's data arm, confirms what we already know in our bones: Australians still love Greece.
The study shows that Greece ranks 11th among preferred destinations for Australians, just behind the usual heavyweights like Italy and France. But don’t be fooled by the numbers. It’s not just about ranking. It’s about staying power. In a feed full of TikTok trends and fleeting travel fads, Greece is the kind of place people return to again and again.
Why we’re still drawn to the Aegean
The report surveyed over 12,000 people aged 16 to 64, and in long-haul markets like Australia, the data tells a simple story: Greece isn’t going anywhere. It’s still one of the most popular destinations for Aussies booking big overseas trips. Many of us crave sunshine, slow days and something that feels a little more real than your average resort town.
What’s changing is how we travel. Quick jaunts are out. Longer trips are in. More Australians are planning 5–7 day holidays or longer, ditching the rushed itineraries and carving out proper time to just be. Some are heading to the islands for a few weeks. Others are setting up remote work bases on the mainland. Many are planning big reunions with family and friends. The appetite for deeper travel is growing.
Zakynthos
Hotels, heart and higher spend
Aussies know what they want. Hotels are still the go-to for most, preferred by over 70% of travellers surveyed. But it’s not just about ticking boxes. There’s a shift towards paying more for better experiences. Think thoughtful service, a great breakfast spread, proper mattresses and a view worth getting up for.
We’re seeing more bookings in boutique stays and locally-run hotels that reflect the place, not just a chain. Price isn’t the issue. It’s value. Spending more for something memorable makes sense to us.
Greece speaks our language
When asked why they travel, most people said relaxation and enjoyment. No surprises there. Greece delivers both in spades. For Australians, it’s the long lunches by the sea. The swims that go on forever. The chance to unplug properly and breathe.
Nature is part of that, too. Greece isn’t just whitewashed walls and sunset shots. There are gorges to hike, forests to explore, tiny islands with no cars, and beaches with no Wi-Fi. Aussies who grew up around the ocean or the bush feel instantly at home.
The takeaway?
Greece doesn’t need a rebrand. It’s not trying to be the next big thing. It just is, and that’s exactly what keeps Australians coming back. The numbers are strong. The trips are longer. The spending is rising. But more than anything, the feeling stays the same.
It’s that unspoken knowing. Greece just gets it.
