This holiday season, Greece is facing a surprising twist: farmers’ protests are throwing winter tourism into chaos. Popular destinations like Thessaly and Epirus are seeing up to 50% of bookings canceled, leaving hoteliers and local businesses scrambling.
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Why Farmers Are Striking
By mid-December 2025, farmers’ protests entered their third week. The main trigger? Delayed EU subsidies tied up in a corruption scandal at the agricultural payments agency, affecting more than €600 million in aid.
Farmers are demanding:
- Support for rising costs and livestock losses, including sheep pox outbreaks.
- Compensation for weather-related crop damage.
- Concrete government action before returning to talks.
Protests are widespread, with road blockades affecting highways, borders, ports, and even airports like Heraklion on Crete, where clashes caused flight delays.
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Impact on Winter Tourism
Winter hotspots such as Trikala, Volos, Pelion, and Ioannina are bearing the brunt. Hotels report 50–80% cancellations over festive weekends, putting family-run businesses at risk.
- Local restaurants, shops, and attractions are seeing sharp revenue declines.
- The Magnesia hotel association warns of historically low Christmas occupancy.
- Export routes to the Balkans are slowed by tractor blockades on major roads like Athens–Thessaloniki, hitting both agriculture and trade.
It’s clear: the strike’s impact goes beyond tourism—affecting interconnected local economies across the country.
Broader Effects and Calls for Resolution
Border crossings at Promachonas and Kipoi have faced intermittent closures, threatening both Thessaloniki’s port and airport operations.
Hotel federations and local authorities are urging dialogue to prevent further damage to tourism. Farmers’ subsidies make up nearly 47% of their income, but public sympathy is waning as travel chaos continues.
Stakeholders are calling for de-escalation before the peak holiday season ends, stressing the need to preserve vital revenues for communities that depend on both tourism and agriculture.
Looking Ahead
While the situation is challenging, solutions are possible. If government negotiations and EU support move swiftly, tourism in Greece could bounce back before the holidays conclude, offering some relief to local businesses and travelers alike.
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For visitors planning winter trips, the key is to stay informed, check local updates, and plan alternate routes if necessary. Flexibility and patience can help navigate these unusual travel disruptions—ensuring that the Greek winter magic isn’t completely lost.