Camping experiencing a rebirth around Greece

Camping is witnessing a resurgence in Greece, fueled by a surge in consumer interest and a notable uptick in overnight stays at campgrounds. Sales of camping gear have risen sharply, with online retailer Skroutz reporting a 48% increase in sales of items such as tents, inflatable sleeping mats, coolers, and lanterns between 2023 and 2025. This growth reflects a broader shift in how Greeks and international visitors are spending their holidays, with many opting for the outdoors rather than traditional hotels. The rise in camping activity is evident in both retail and tourism statistics. In 2024, tent sales saw a 31% increase compared to 2023, and the trend has remained steady through 2025. Camping accessories and equipment have also seen robust growth, with lighting products seeing a 15% increase in sales, portable coolers up 14%, and inflatable sleeping pads increasing by 6%. These figures highlight a growing demand for quality outdoor gear that supports extended stays and comfort in nature. Demand for camping has expanded beyond the traditional summer season. Data from Skroutz shows that sales in January through May 2025 rose 24% compared to the same period in 2024, continuing into 2026 with another 13% increase. Search trends also reflect this shift, with searches for “camping” exceeding the total number of searches recorded in all of 2025 by 193% from January to June alone. This suggests a deepening cultural shift towards outdoor living and exploration. Konstantinos Demiris, president of the Panhellenic Camping Association, noted a substantial increase in the number of people, particularly Greeks, choosing camping for their summer vacations. He predicted that 2026 would see even greater growth, estimating that overnight stays have grown by roughly 20% compared to three years prior. His insights align with data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), which reported that in 2024, campgrounds recorded their best performance in 15 years, with 2,191,364 overnight stays. Of these, 1,317,772 were by international visitors. The pandemic initially disrupted the camping industry, causing overnight stays to drop to 899,117 in 2020. However, the numbers rebounded in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Central Macedonia led the way in 2024, with 924,575 overnight stays, making it the region with the highest number of visits. Bulgarian visitors made up the largest portion of international campers, with Romania and Serbia also ranking among the top 10 countries of origin. Demiris also highlighted a promising trend in the number of active campgrounds across Greece. There are currently 296 operational sites, though this number is significantly lower than in earlier decades. Despite this, a decline in closures that persisted for several years seems to have stabilized. Moreover, there is a noticeable increase in interest among potential developers looking to invest in the sector. This could lead to more job creation and potentially extend the camping season to include off-season operations, similar to those in Spain. Halkidiki in northern Greece stands out as the leading camping destination, followed by Platamonas near Mount Olympus and the Peloponnese. Demiris attributed Halkidiki's success partly to its appeal to visitors from the Balkans, a point corroborated by ELSTAT data. As the trend continues, Greece’s camping industry is poised for further expansion, offering new opportunities for both local residents and international travelers seeking immersive outdoor experiences.