The Greek tourism and real estate sectors are riding high on recent growth and strategic incentives aimed at boosting engagement and safety among property owners. CV Villas, known for its luxurious villas, is set to expand significantly with the addition of 50 new properties across Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy by 2025. This announcement follows what the company describes as a "record year" for bookings, especially within its "Above luxury" collection.
According to CV Villas’ business development director Chris Etheridge, bookings have seen considerable increases, with Greece leading the charge. The firm anticipates villa bookings to climb by 29% compared to 2024. Currently, Greece remains the top destination for British clients of the company, culminating the appeal of olive groves, sea-view properties, and modern villas.
“2025 is shaping up to be exceptionally positive for bookings,” Etheridge stated, emphasizing the importance of the country within their portfolio. Prices for these villas start from £2,306, as seen with Villa Punto, which accommodates six guests over seven nights.
Beyond mere luxury accommodations, the demand for wellness and fitness amenities has surged among clients, who are now requesting e-bikes, private chefs, yoga classes, and exercise equipment. CV Villas has also introduced boat rental services throughout Corfu, Paxos, and Lefkada, catering to visitors seeking more personalized and vibrant experiences during their stays.
While developments like CV Villas' expansion signal growth, Greece is also enhancing its appeal as a cultural and historical tourism destination. Kavala, located in Northern Greece, is grabbing attention with its rich history, especially due to nearby archaeological sites like Philippi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists flock to Kavala, offering additional revenue streams for local businesses.
Described as charming and full of life, Kavala boasts scenic views and blue flag beaches. The city has encountered historic ties to the tobacco trade, which helped shape its architecture, and many grand tobacco factories have since been repurposed as malls or museums.
During visits, guests partake in gastronomic delights; local delicacies include kourabiedes, almond biscuits dusted with icing sugar, to be purchased fresh at bakeries across the city. Cruising excursions often feature tours through Kavala's Old Town and visits to surrounding wineries, showcasing the area’s agricultural richness.
On the shores of prosperity, Greek authorities are launching initiatives to adapt the real estate sector to 21st-century risks. Following Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's announcement at the Thessaloniki International Fair, Greece is now offering property owners discounts up to 20% on property taxes for adequately insured premises. This move not only seeks to incentivize insurance against natural disasters but also aims to bolster the resilience of property owners facing the threats of fires, floods, and earthquakes.
Approximately three million property owners across Greece stand to benefit, with eligibility contingent on securing comprehensive insurance covering natural disasters. Properties valued at less than €500,000 qualify for the full 20% tax deduction, whereas properties valued higher can still attain 10% if adequately insured. Compliant owners must provide verification through the necessary online portals before approaching deadlines, set to streamline the benefits crisis.
Clarity on insurance coverage stipulates consistency, requiring coverage for at least three months of the prior year to maximize discounts. Properties intended for state compensation following any calamities starting April 2025 must also adhere to these regulations. Insurance must manage reconstruction estimates exceeding €1,000 per square meter, solidifying serious financial accountability across the region.
Alongside these measures, Greece's tourism sector continues to witness substantial gains, enhancing its position on the global tourism map. The initiative to track real estate prices has also emerged, aimed at giving buyers clearer insights fluctuated by varying regional data.
Despite challenges faced by young workers amid growing unemployment rates, stakeholders remain optimistic about tourism’s integral role as it witnessed significant economic recovery. Reports reveal employers increasingly seek ways to capitalize on tourism's potential as Greece looks to expand its unique offerings.
From villa bookings hitting record highs at CV Villas to cultural experiences encapsulated by cities like Kavala, tourists are finding Greece as much more than just sun and sea; they’re finding history, culinary adventures, and vibrant hospitality waiting at every corner.
Greece’s push for tourism and real estate resiliency sets the stage for favorable growth prospects well beyond 2025, where the integration of environmental factors, tourist demands, and historic significance represent the country's inviting essence.
