The Greek islands remained firmly at the heart of travel plans in 2025, but new ferry booking data suggests that the way both Greeks and international visitors choose their destinations is subtly changing.

According to figures from the popular ferry ticket platform “Ferryhopper,” travelers are still drawn to the Cyclades in large numbers, while nearby islands and long-established classics are gaining fresh momentum as priorities shift across generations.

For Greek travelers, accessibility and flexibility played a decisive role. Aegina emerged as the year’s biggest surprise, rising dramatically from seventh place in 2024 to become the most popular island destination by ferry. Its short sailing time from Athens, frequent connections, and comparatively affordable tickets made it especially appealing for short breaks and spontaneous weekend escapes.

Alongside Aegina, Cycladic islands including Tinos, Syros, Paros, Kythnos, Naxos, Kea, and Andros continued to perform strongly, reinforcing the enduring appeal of destinations that combine character, cultural depth, and reliable transport links. Larger islands such as Crete and Corfu also remained firmly in demand, particularly for longer holidays.

International travelers, meanwhile, followed a slightly different pattern, though the Cyclades once again dominated preferences. Paros and Naxos topped the rankings for visitors from abroad, followed closely by Mykonos and Santorini, while islands in the Saronic Gulf such as Aegina and Hydra also featured prominently. Crete and Corfu rounded out the picture as familiar, dependable choices with broad international appeal.

One of the most striking findings of the year was Santorini’s relative decline in ferry bookings. Long regarded as one of Greece’s most iconic destinations, the island saw reduced demand, particularly from international markets. Concerns surrounding overtourism, rising prices, and uncertainty earlier in the year linked to heightened seismic activity appear to have influenced traveler behavior. Crucially, this shift did not signal a broader loss of interest in the Cyclades. Instead, demand was redistributed towards other islands in the group, including Milos and Ios, as well as toward closer, lower-pressure destinations such as Aegina and Hydra.

Generational preferences added another revealing layer to the data. While Aegina, Paros, and Naxos proved popular across all age groups, younger travelers showed clear tendencies. Gen Z travelers (aged 18 to 24) gravitated toward islands that combine easy access from Athens with a lively nightlife scene, including Mykonos, Agistri, and Ios. Millennials (25–44) leaned toward a mix of classic Cycladic destinations, with islands such as Tinos, Syros, and Santorini continuing to attract those seeking authenticity alongside comfort and familiarity.

Older travelers displayed the broadest range of choices. Gen X travelers (45–54) and those aged 65 and over favored destinations offering variety, calmer rhythms, and strong infrastructure, with islands like Andros, Kea, Hydra, and Corfu featuring high among their preferences.

Taken together, the data paints a picture of a Greek island market that is evolving rather than contracting. As travelers of different generations reassess what matters most, from affordability and ease to atmosphere and sustainability, Greece’s islands are proving remarkably adaptable, offering something for every kind of journey.

Source: moneyreview.gr