The 2026 travel season is shaping up to be Greece’s most dynamic yet, but not for the reasons you might think.
Athens International Airport saw nearly 3.3 million travelers in September alone, a 9.7% increase from the year prior. These numbers showcase that while travelers have long flocked to Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, a growing number are skipping the crowded islands in favor of something more accessible, authentic, and unexpected: Athens’ new coastal playground, The Ellinikon.
At the heart of this evolution is The Ellinikon, one of the most ambitious urban regeneration projects in Europe. Built on the site of Athens’ former international airport, the development is transforming over 6 million square meters of prime seafront into a high-design lifestyle hub complete with luxury residences, a marina, retail destination, parks, and five-star hospitality.
This shift mirrors a broader shift in Greek tourism: travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations that combine authenticity, culture, and ease of access. Athens now offers the best of both worlds, ancient history and creative energy paired with a new Riviera-style escape just minutes from the city center.
