For many Greeks, a trip to the beach is becoming a carefully calculated excursion, a far cry from the extended summer holidays of the past. Armed with bus coupons, they are heading to nearby shores, determined to make the most of their limited leisure time.
Residents of Athens, like Diamantoula Vassiliou, are opting for day trips to accessible beaches such as Avlaki Beach, located an hour north of the capital. These excursions are characterized by homemade lunches packed in plastic coolers, a stark contrast to the more lavish vacations enjoyed in previous years.
“We come here because there’s no money,” Vassiliou explained, highlighting how day trips have become a four-year substitute for week-long vacations. This shift reflects a broader trend of financial constraints impacting the holiday plans of many Greeks.
While Greece’s tourism industry is experiencing a boom, with foreign arrivals expected to reach four times the country’s population, many Greeks find themselves priced out of enjoying their own country’s attractions. The allure of crystalline waters and picturesque coasts, often showcased on social media, remains out of reach for a significant portion of the population due to rising prices and stagnant wages.
Data from the European Union reveals that nearly half of Greeks could not afford a one-week holiday last year, a rate second only to Romania within the bloc. This figure represents a modest improvement since the end of Greece’s financial crisis in 2019, but still lags behind countries like Italy and France, where affordability is significantly higher.
The transformation of popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros is also contributing to this issue. Luxury resorts have increasingly replaced budget-friendly options such as guesthouses and campsites, making these iconic locations inaccessible to many Greek families.
Tourism plays a vital role in the Greek economy, directly contributing approximately 12% to the country’s output. However, the increasing focus on catering to international tourists has led many businesses to remain open throughout the summer, limiting vacation opportunities for local workers.
Iosif Solanakis, an electric buggy tour operator near the Acropolis in Athens, exemplifies this trend. He works tirelessly during the summer months to earn enough to sustain himself during the off-season. His access to the sea is limited to the few hours he can spare from his demanding work schedule.
The phenomenon of “holiday poverty,” a term gaining traction among labor unions, is a growing concern across Europe as rising costs negatively impact summer vacation plans.
Beachgoers in Italy, for example, have voiced concerns on social media about the escalating costs of renting a standard umbrella and two lounge chairs, a quintessential part of the Italian seaside experience. In popular areas along the Italian Riviera, securing a spot with a sun lounger can cost as much as 80 euros ($93) per day, while more exclusive locations can charge hundreds.
In Greece, many are adapting by packing their own umbrellas and preparing homemade meals in plastic containers, reminiscent of the 1980s. They are also relying on public transportation options like buses instead of more expensive ferries or flights.
Giorgos Lehouritis, who leads Greece’s Consumer Protection Institute, estimates that a six-day island vacation for a family of four can cost around 3,500 euros ($4,070). This is a significant burden in a country where the average monthly income barely exceeds 1,000 euros ($1,160). The rising costs of rent and utilities further strain household budgets.
“You have to live on the rest – and that’s poverty,” Lehouritis asserts, underscoring the challenging financial realities faced by many Greek families.
Nikos Margaritis, a retiree traveling to Avlaki Beach, laments that holiday accommodations are beyond his limited budget. He believes that individuals who have contributed significantly to the workforce should receive greater financial support.
“Someone who has worked 35 or 40 years should receive more support,” he stated. “I have worked for 42 years. Do I deserve something better? I do.”