Greece has emerged as one of the top international destinations capturing American travelers’ attention for 2025, according to a new travel trends report by vacation rental platform HomeToGo.
Ranked second overall — just behind Italy — the country saw a sharp rise in searches from US users, surpassing popular summer spots such as France, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. Italy claimed the top spot, while the list concluded with Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and England.
The data, based on year-over-year search activity, reflects growing demand for European escapes with scenic beauty, cultural depth, and coastal charm.
Photo source: HomeToGo
Greek islands stand out in top 10
Among trending individual destinations, Crete ranked second with a 390 percent surge in searches, while Naxos followed in fifth place with a 327 percent rise. Lefkada and Zakynthos, both located in the Ionian Islands, also made the top ten — coming in ninth and tenth respectively — indicating broadening interest in a wider range of Greek islands beyond the usual hotspots.
“In recent years, Naxos has become an international draw—not only for Europeans but also for travelers from farther markets like the US and Australia,” said Vaggelis Katsaras, Deputy Mayor for Tourism of the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades.
He cited the island’s cuisine, beaches, hiking trails, traditional villages, and outdoor activities as key attractions.
Photo source: HomeToGo
Trends shaping U.S. travel choices
The HomeToGo report also highlights three key trends influencing US traveler behavior: a growing desire for European escapes, a renewed interest in well-known destinations, and increased preference for inland getaways within the US.
Alongside Greece, other international favorites include Sardinia, Mallorca, Paris, Tuscany, and the Algarve. Vancouver and Bali were the only non-European entries in the top rankings. Meanwhile, Brittany in France is emerging as an alternative to the Riviera, and islands like Menorca remain under the radar for U.S. travelers.
Domestically, inland regions like Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee are also drawing attention for summer getaways.
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