The New Stars of Greek Tourism
The 2025 tourism season has reshuffled the deck for Greek island destinations. While traditional powerhouses Santorini and Mykonos struggle with declining bookings, Zakynthos and Corfu have each recorded a 7% increase in summer bookings, emerging as the fastest-growing island destinations in Greece.
This shift reflects broader trends in travel behavior: visitors are increasingly seeking affordable authenticity over luxury branding. Zakynthos offers exactly that — stunning natural beauty, genuine Greek culture, and significantly better value than the Cycladic islands.
What’s Driving the Growth
Several factors contribute to Zakynthos’ rising popularity:
- Accessibility — Direct charter flights from across Europe, especially the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia
- Value for money — Accommodation and dining remain considerably more affordable than Santorini or Mykonos
- Natural attractions — From Navagio Beach to the Blue Caves, the island offers world-class scenery
- Family-friendly — The gentle beaches of Laganas Bay and Tsilivi make it ideal for families
The Overtourism Question
However, this success comes with challenges. A 2025 Which? report named Zakynthos the most crowded resort in Europe, with tourist overnight stays outnumbering residents 150 to 1. The island’s infrastructure — particularly water supply and waste management — has been stretched to its limits during peak months.
Local tourism agents are calling for a substantial redefinition of the island’s tourism strategy, advocating for quality over quantity and off-season promotion.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the new sustainability study launched in January 2026 and continued investment in airport infrastructure, Zakynthos is positioning itself for a more balanced approach to growth. Early booking data for 2026 suggests another strong season ahead.