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Greece Travel Shifts: Lesbos Rises for 2025 as Costs Climb and Safety Guidance Intensifies

Higher fees with safety alerts nudge travelers to lesser-known islands and cheaper Balkan destinations.

Overview

  • Avis analysis of searches and hashtags identifies Lesbos as a leading trend island for 2025, drawing interest for quieter beaches and an authentic vibe.
  • Greece has raised entry fees at hundreds of cultural sites, added up to €20 per cruise passenger per landing, applied seasonal tourism levies of €2–€8 per day, and introduced a climate tax of up to €15 per night.
  • The German Foreign Office advises vigilance in Athen, Thessaloniki and Piraeus for pickpocketing, notes heat, wildfire and earthquake risks, and flags strict penalties for traffic and drug offenses.
  • Kefalonia is promoted as a less crowded alternative to Crete, offering notable beaches such as Myrtos Beach, protected nature and an international airport for direct access.
  • Budget-conscious travelers are turning to the Balkans, with official data showing hotel and restaurant prices roughly 52% lower than in Germany in Albania and North Macedonia and 51% lower in Bulgaria.