If Europe’s summer travel mood is anything to go by, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong season – and Greece is right at the heart of it.

According to the latest findings from the European Travel Commission (ETC), travel sentiment among Europeans has climbed to 82 percent for the spring and summer months, up ten points on last year and the highest level since 2020. And as millions begin planning their getaways, the Mediterranean is firmly back in focus.

Within that wider trend, Greece continues to perform strongly. Around eight percent of Europeans say it will be their next destination, placing it joint fourth overall alongside Portugal. Spain and Italy lead the pack this year, with France holding steady in third place. Germany and the United Kingdom follow behind, while Turkey, Croatia and Austria complete the top ten.

But the story is about more than rankings. Interest in Mediterranean destinations overall has jumped by 17 percent, now accounting for 59 percent of total travel demand. For most travelers, the motivation is clear: 77 percent are prioritizing leisure, and the classic “sun and sea” holiday remains the top choice at 28 percent. Few places deliver that combination as effortlessly as Greece, with its islands, beaches and rich layers of history.

Demand for Greece is also notably broad-based. Travelers from across Europe are setting their sights on the country, with seven percent of respondents from Germany, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland planning a visit. Interest remains strong among Austrians and Swiss travelers at six percent, while five percent of Italians and Spaniards are also considering Greece for their summer plans.

At the same time, holiday habits are evolving. Rising costs are a growing concern, cited by 20 percent of respondents, and are beginning to shape how Europeans travel. Shorter breaks are on the rise, with 38 percent planning trips of four to six nights, and budgets under 1,000 euros per person becoming increasingly common.

Geopolitics, too, is playing a role. Safety is now the top consideration for 22 percent of travelers, while ongoing tensions in the Middle East are causing concern for 18 percent. In response, many are opting for destinations they perceive as stable and comfortably removed from areas of conflict.

In that respect, Greece offers more than just a holiday. Alongside its timeless appeal, it provides a sense of reassurance – making it not only a perennial favorite, but a compelling choice in an uncertain world.

With information in Greek from moneyreview.gr.