April 27, 2024

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Easter holidays: tourists flooded Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, attracts thousands of visitors who prefer the traditional Easter celebration.

Many guests have already arrived in our country to spend the Easter holidays here. Athens remains a priority for tourists who have flooded the city center, which is causing hope and optimism among businessmen (in terms of income). The big stake is quality tourism, i.e. travelers with “full wallets”.

Among the most generous, according to ANT1, are tourists from Australia, who spend an average of 1,430 euros per person. This is followed by Canadians with 1267 euros per person, Americans with 1202 euros per person and Russians with 1147 euros per person.

Australians spend 110.4 euros (per person) for an overnight stay, followed by tourists from Russia and Canada, who spend 104.8 and 100.2, respectively, and 98.7 euros are spent by tourists from the United States.

Easter is expected to set a new historical record for tourist traffic, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

To be sure, the “escape from the cities” is already in full swing, as most areas, both on the mainland and on the islands, have over 90% occupancy. Greek tourism is likely to surpass 2019 levels, according to industry bodies.

The traditional Easter, with amazing local customs, was “missed” by many in previous years, as a result of which, apparently, this season they decided to “catch up all at once”. On Parnassus and Arachov, the occupancy of tourist real estate reaches 80%. “It snowed yesterday, and that’s why the ski resort is open. Arakhova is 80% full,” businessmen say.

Nafplion, Kastoria, Pieria, Messinia, Xylokastro, Meteora, Porto Heli and Zagorochoria are also of interest to tourists.

In addition, Mykonos and Santorini can claim a significant share of the incoming tourist flow during the Easter period.

Tourists are especially interested in Corfu, Rhodes, Patmos, Kriut, Zakynthos, Chios, Mytilini, Syros, Skyros, Ikaria and Kitira. Those who choose nearby destinations will be able to choose a more economical tour package.

For example worth a visit Poros. It can be reached by car on the highway (the destination is only 160 km from Athens). For Poros, a family of four can drive all the way to Galatas and pay €24 for petrol and €4 for a toll road. Small ferries depart every 30 minutes, the ticket price is 1 euro per family member and from 6.5 euros per car. If someone chooses to travel by ferry from Piraeus to Poros, they will pay 32 euros per person, i.e. a group of 4 people will pay 256 euros (round trip). There are many who will spend Easter in the church of Panagia Megalokhari (Poros).

This year, many young people have already gathered on Tinos in anticipation of the festivities. “I think it will be one of the best Easters and our island will be very crowded,” say tourism market experts. This year, Andros follows tradition and creates the necessary imposing atmosphere that the days of Holy Week require.

All Q1 pre-booking and booking data shows that 2023 will do better than a great travel year 2022.



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