Greece, despite its beauty, is seeing a decline in visitors in 2025 as visitors snub it for its neighbour, Turkey. European travellers are becoming more budget-conscious, choosing places where food is cheaper, the hotels offer better value for money, and the beaches are just as inviting.

This month, parts of Mykonos that would typically be bustling are noticeably quieter. Beach bars have vacant tables, shop owners report fewer customers, and it appears to be the slowest early summer in over a decade. Travel agents have observed this trend, noting that even Santorini, still a hit with cruise-goers, has seen fewer independent travellers this month.

The Greek islands, once a top destination for tourists, are seeing visitors refuse to pay the exorbitant prices.

A dinner for two can easily exceed €80, even without wine, and beach access often comes with a hefty minimum spend.

Tourists are checking online reviews to find them filled with complaints about pricey sunbeds, bottles of water, and menus without prices.

Turkish cities like Marmaris, Bodrum, and Antalya are now seeing a surge in hotel bookings from the EU and the UK, according to reports in EuroWeekly.

Tour operators are often fully booked, but they offer packages for less than half the price of a weekend in Mykonos.

The weak lira is a contributing factor, as it makes Turkey a more affordable option in 2025. Even high-end resorts feel accessible compared to the basic rooms in Greece.

Turkey also has better airport transfers, cleaner beaches, and sensible package deals.

Greece's focus on luxury and exclusivity has potentially priced out its traditional customer base.