Greece ranked Europe’s cheapest country for a luxurious yet affordable holiday for Americans, according to a new survey that lists the top 20 European destinations where travelers in 2025 can enjoy 5-star opulence without overspending.
Kinglike Conscierge, a Cyprus-based boutique luxury travel agency, published its European Budget Luxury Travel Index that ranks the top 20, most popular European countries where luxury travelers don’t have to spend a fortune to relish in a 5-star accommodation, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and indulge in spa treatments.
Greece is topping the list as the best destination for a luxurious yet cost-effective vacation at as little as $1,329, costing $200 less than its nearest rival, Spain at $1,529, followed by Germany at $1,638. The average, estimated price for Greece includes a one-week stay at a 5-star accommodation ($467), business class flight ($620 from New York’s JFK for specific dates), a spa treatment ($102) and a Michelin-star meal ($140).
Moreover, Kinglike Conscierge says Greece is “one of Europe’s dreamiest locations, with its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal clear water and blue-domed churches. It is also known for having some of the most ancient landmarks and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.”
On the other hand, Malta is the least affordable European destination for a luxury holiday, where travelers would be looking at a total budget of $4,296 for a week per person.
Greece has been building a name for luxury travel in recent years, moving away from the massive, low-budget sea-and-sun model of the past decades. In January 2025, the Virtuoso Luxe Report, a luxury travel network, in its annual survey placed Greece in the top 5 destinations for affluent travelers for 2025.
A destination for the rich? Luxury travel in Greece seen soaring
According to a report published in 2023 by Travel and Tour World.Greece’s luxury travel industry is seen soaring to $2.7 billion by 2030.
In 2020, the value of Greece’s high-end travel sector was estimated at approximately $767.8 million. By 2030, it is anticipated that it will soar to around $2,736.7 million, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5 percent from 2021 to 2030.
The luxury travel segment within Greece’s tourism industry has been witnessing a marked upsurge, fueled by growing interest in distinctive and luxurious vacation locales. This niche market is gradually expanding its footprint, driven by increased disposable incomes and enhanced living standards, the report said.
Greece is trying to attract tourists year-round. However, it’s still the summer months of magic that brings them to the country. This includes celebrities who are attracted to the islands and resorts popping up around the country that take over public beaches.
Statistical data from Greece’s national authorities place the country as the thirteenth most visited globally, attracting over thirty million international tourists annually, predominantly from European Union nations and the United States. More recently, there has been increased interest from Asia, especially China.
The report noted that growth in Greece’s luxury travel industry can be attributed to numerous upscale travel firms adopting cutting-edge technologies to elevate the luxury travel experience and provide top-notch facilities.
“Innovations such as Oculus Rift for virtual reality, Amazon Echo for artificial intelligence, GoPro for wearable technology, and advanced 3D printing are being introduced to enrich customers’ travel experiences, further propelling the demand in this industry,” according to the report.