The market of short-term rentals in the Aegean islands, according to an analytical survey in Development, which records the number of active listings, occupancy levels, average daily rates and estimated annual income per island. The figures outline a market that continues to grow with strong destination differentiation, confirming the important role of tourism in shaping the local economy.
The region’s largest short-term rental marketplace
According to research, Aegean islands is the largest regional short-term rental market in Greece, with a total of 24,946 active listings. This number shows the intensity of tourist activity and the systematic use of housing stock for tourist use.
At the top of the list of islands with the most listings are Santorini, with 5,306 properties, is followed by Rhodes (3,913), Mykonos (3,506) and Paros (3,453). A significant presence was also recorded by Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades with 2,996 listingswhile Tinos, Kos, Milos and Syros followed.
The data analysis clearly shows the dominance of short-term rentals over long-term housing in many destinations on the island. In some cases, the number of tourist listings is greater than the available houses for permanent use, an element that promotes the transfer of the market to tourist models of exploitation.
The fullness of shelters
Of particular interest are the figures for accommodation occupancy on an annual basis (not only during the tourist season).
Milos emerged as the island with the highest average occupancy, reaches 27.1%, a percentage that puts it in first place among the Aegean islands. Followed by Santorini with 24.3%while long performances are also recorded by Folegandros (19.6%), Naxos and the Small Cyclades (19.4%) and Sifnos (19.3%). Paros and Mykonos operate at a level of around 19%, while Rhodes, Ios and Kos show lower occupancy rates.
These data show that the increased demand for tourism is no longer limited to traditional “saturated” destinations, but also extends to small or less commercial islands, which register a steady increase in their attractiveness.
The image of the island
As far as average daily prices are concerned, the picture is very different on the island. Mykonos records the highest average price per day, at 723 euros, confirming its position as a premium destination. It follows Antiparos with 476 euroswhile Santorini moved to 327 euros and Paros to 322 euros. At the cheaper level are Kea (312 euros), Patmos (264 euros), Kastellorizo cheaper.
This diversity clearly shows the stratification of the tourist market, where ultra-luxurious destinations with high accommodation costs and islands that attract visitors with a more modest budget coexist, reports APE-MPE.
Of particular importance are the figures for estimated annual income from short-term rentals. At the top is Paros, with an estimated income of 20,3 thousand euros each property, followed from Santorini with 20 thousand euros and Milos with 19 thousand euros. Mykonos recorded revenues of 18.8 thousand euros, while Rhodes and Naxos moved to a lower level, between 12.8 and 13.8 thousand euros. In small markets, such as Folegandros and Kos, revenues are between 8.5 and 10.1 thousand euros.
Market dynamics and challenges
According to with Prosperity, the actual income of the short-term rental market in the Aegean is estimated to be around 43% higher when all available platforms are included, suggesting that the financial footprint of the industry is greater than that reflected in individual metrics.
Overall, the research shows that short-term rentals remain a key driver of economic activity in the Aegean islands, with strong differences between destinations in terms of occupancy, prices and income. Prosperity’s data provides insight into the current state, highlighting market dynamics and challenges.