Half of Greeks will be without holidays this summer

Every second Greek is not planning a vacation in the summer of 2026. Even those who go on vacation choose cheaper options and strictly calculate costs.

These are the research findings ΙΕΛΚΑ (Institute for Consumer Products Retail Research), which shows an obvious, but no less unpleasant thing: for many Greeks, summer holidays are becoming a luxury rather than a normal part of life.

Briefly about the main thing

• 50% respondents do not plan a vacation in the summer of 2026.
• 34% intend to go on vacation, but in a limited format.
• 14% They said they would go, like every year.
• Only 2% plan to take more days off than usual.
• The main reasons for saving are a decrease in available income, an increase in the cost of transport, accommodation and food.

The study was conducted in May 2026 on a sample 700 consumers all over the country. It concerned the behavior of Greeks during the summer holidays: where they were going to go, how many days to rest, where to live, how to eat and what to save on. In general, the whole set of issues that was previously associated with planning a vacation, and now increasingly resembles drawing up an anti-crisis budget.

According to ΙΕΛΚΑ, 50% respondents are not planning a vacation this summer. In 2025, this figure was even higher – 52%. Formally, we can say that the situation has improved slightly. In practice, when half the population does not go on vacation, it is somehow awkward to rejoice at a decrease of two points. Although this will do for a press release, paper, as we know, suffers.

Those who travel also save

Remaining 50% they are still going on vacation, but even here the picture is far from carefree. 34% respondents say that rest will be limited. More 14% plan to travel about the same as every year. Only 2% expect to increase the duration of vacation.

Among those who do go on vacation, the majority are: 42% – plans a vacation for 4–7 days. More 29% count on 8–14 days. The average vacation duration for those traveling is 11.4 days. In 2025 the figure was almost the same – 11.3 days.

This confirms a stable trend: the Greeks are not so much giving up vacations completely as trying to squeeze them into an acceptable budget. Vacations remain, but increasingly in economy mode: fewer days, simpler housing, more shopping at the supermarket and fewer romantic dinners, which you then have to pay for until September.

Where will vacationers live?

The main way to save money is accommodation. Most choose country houses: own or belonging to relatives, friends and acquaintances. 35% vacationers plan to live in their own holiday home, more 18% – in someone else’s or rented country housing.

35% choose rented roomsand this option has increased significantly compared to the previous year. But hotels look less and less accessible: only 14% plan to live in hotels. Of these 10% – without food and only 4% – with full board.

This says a lot about the financial capabilities of Greek households. When a hotel becomes almost an elite option, and vacations are saved by relatives, dachas and rooms for rent, we are not faced with a “new culture of travel,” but a normal adaptation to high prices. It just sounds less festive, but more honest.

More 8% choose campingA 9% are considering traveling abroad.

Where will they go?

Leads in areas continental Greece by the sea: she is chosen 57% travelers. In second place – islandswho are considering 38%. Mountainous mainland Greece attracts 11%and holidays abroad – 9%.

These data show a clear shift towards more accessible domestic destinations. The desire to avoid expensive ferry tickets plays a special role. The islands are still a dream, but for many Greeks this dream now begins with a calculator and ends with the thought: “maybe it’s the Peloponnese after all?”

Holidays with a pot: how Greeks save on food

Behavior during the rest itself is especially indicative. 41% respondents said that they often cook on vacation. 70% regularly visit supermarkets or convenience stores, apparently in an attempt to reduce the cost of eating out.

Besides, 79% go to bakeries and bakeries. Only 28% stated that they never cook while on vacation. In other words, vacation increasingly looks not like “I’m taking a break from everyday life,” but like “I’ve moved my life closer to the sea.” Also, of course, rest. Just with a bag from the supermarket and asking how much the cheese costs.

Moreover, more than half of the respondents 62% – they say they prefer to buy local products. On the one hand, this supports the local economy. On the other hand, it shows a desire to find fresh, high-quality and at the same time affordable food. The Greeks still want a normal summer experience, but are forced to cobble it together from cheaper parts.

Shopping is also reduced

45% respondents said they would reduce spending on holiday purchases. Among the reasons, the rise in ticket prices stands out. Slightly less, but also noticeably pressing, is the cost of eating out. The cost of living is perceived as somewhat less difficult, probably because many people choose cheaper options in advance: country houses, rooms or housing with friends.

As for shopping places, 68% respondents purchase products from bakeries and bakeries, 66% – in large supermarket chains, 48% – in small networks, and 41% – in mini-markets.

In general, the role of the local market noticeably increases in summer. Tourists and Greeks themselves are more likely to buy food locally, use small shops, and look for fresh and local goods. The result is a hybrid consumption model: on the one hand, strict economy, on the other, the desire to preserve at least part of a normal vacation through food, local products and familiar little joys.

Editorial comment

Study ΙΕΛΚΑ shows more than just a change in consumer behavior. It shows society’s fatigue in which even vacations are increasingly common turns into a financial exercise. People don’t choose “lower holidays” for the love of minimalism. They choose it because the cost of transport, housing and food is putting more and more pressure on the family budget.

When half of Greeks do not plan a vacation, this is no longer a private story for individual households. This is a social indicator. In a country that lives on tourism, its own citizens are increasingly becoming spectators of someone else’s summer. The irony is, of course, luxurious: Greece sells holidays to millions of foreigners, but an increasing number of Greeks find these holidays unaffordable.

Yes, some people will still go to the sea. But many will live with relatives, cook themselves, shop in supermarkets and count every expense. This is not a tragedy, but it is also not a normal picture for a country where summer holidays have always been part of the way of life. Now it increasingly becomes a privilege that has to be protected from prices, tickets and one’s own salary.

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