Crete and Naxos Among Top 5 Emerging Destinations for American Travelers in 2025

Two Greek islands, Crete and Naxos, have made it into the Top 5 emerging global travel destinations for American tourists in 2025, as revealed in a new survey by the vacation rental search engine HomeToGo. The platform, which aggregates over 20 million vacation listings worldwide, ranked destinations based on year-over-year growth in U.S.-based search interest.

Crete Ranked #2, Naxos #5 Among Fastest-Rising Destinations

Crete saw a staggering +390% increase in searches from American users, placing it second on the list. Naxos followed closely, securing the fifth spot with a +327% surge. Spain dominated the list as well, with Alicante topping the ranking and Lanzarote and Menorca taking the third and fourth positions respectively.

Other Greek destinations also gained traction: Lefkada (+189%) and Zakynthos (+175%) featured among the Top 10, signaling a growing appetite for authentic Mediterranean experiences among U.S. travelers.

According to HomeToGo’s report, “Europe remains a consistent favorite for Americans looking to travel abroad, with Spanish and Greek destinations dominating the top spots. Crete stands out for its enduring popularity, while lesser-known islands like Naxos are now catching the attention of a new generation of international travelers.”

A Global Rise in Popularity for Naxos

Commenting on the findings, Evangelos Katsaras, Deputy Mayor for Tourism of Naxos and the Small Cyclades, emphasized the island’s growing global appeal:

“In recent years, Naxos has become a magnet not just for Europeans, but also for visitors from long-haul markets such as the U.S. and Australia. Our guests appreciate the value for money and are captivated by the variety of experiences we offer—dozens of exotic beaches, charming villages, world-class local cuisine, ancient ruins, medieval towers, and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, windsurfing, and diving in our turquoise waters.”

Naxos is actively promoting itself abroad through a multi-layered destination branding strategy, which has garnered attention from international media. This year, the island was featured in Forbes as a top alternative experience destination to pair with Athens, and was ranked #1 by Islands.com and MSN.com in a list of the five best authentic Greek islands.

Why Crete and Naxos Are Winning Over American Travelers

The resurgence of interest in Greece is no surprise. With a mix of cultural depth, natural beauty, and laid-back hospitality, the country continues to resonate with U.S. travelers seeking immersive, meaningful escapes.

• Crete, Greece’s largest island, offers a robust blend of historical landmarks (such as Knossos and ancient monasteries), dramatic landscapes, mountain villages, and thriving food culture.
• Naxos, often overlooked in favor of nearby Santorini or Mykonos, is emerging as a top-tier destination for those looking for a more authentic and versatile Cycladic experience—from farm-to-table gastronomy to high-adrenaline sports.

As Americans increasingly prioritize destinations that offer local authenticity, sustainability, and multi-sensory travel, the Greek islands—both classic and off-the-beaten-path—are climbing to the top of their bucket lists.