Chania short-term rental bookings reach 85% ahead of mid-August holiday

Short-term rental pre-bookings in Chania have reached 85% for the mid-August holiday week (August 13–17), according to market data cited in a report published by Cretaone. The figure places Chania among the higher-demand destinations nationally, though below the top-ranked islands.

The report tracks pre-booking rates and prices for whole-house, Airbnb-type short-term rentals suitable for a family of four staying four nights during the mid-August week. According to the data, national pre-booking rates for popular island destinations range from 76% to 94%, reflecting high demand and limited last-minute availability.

How Chania compares nationally

Paros currently records the highest pre-booking rate among the destinations surveyed, at 94%, followed by Naxos (93%), Santorini and Corfu (92%), Milos and Skiathos (90%), and Kythnos and Lefkada (89%). Skopelos follows at 88%, Kea and Zakynthos at 87%, Rhodes and Kefalonia at 86%, and Chania at 85%, with Andros at 84%. Mykonos records the lowest pre-booking rate in the survey, at 76%, which the report links to a larger available supply of accommodation there.

For a family of four booking a whole house for four nights during the mid-August week, the report states that total costs in Chania start from approximately €749. Comparable starting prices elsewhere include €628 in Zakynthos, €670 in Lefkada, €680 in Santorini, €768 in Naxos and €800 in Kefalonia. Higher starting prices are recorded in Milos (from €1,700), Corfu (from €1,150), Paros (from €1,115), Andros (from €1,108) and Mykonos (from €1,008).

Compared with the same period in 2025, requested prices for island short-term rentals have risen, with increases varying by destination, according to the report. It attributes the rise mainly to sustained high demand for the mid-August period combined with a gradual reduction in available supply as peak dates approach.

Mainland destinations also show high demand

The report also notes strong demand for mainland coastal destinations, with pre-booking rates ranging from 84% to 93% as of early July. Halkidiki tops that list at 93%, followed by Parga (91%), Syvota (90%), and Kalamata, Nafplio and Messinia (89%). For mainland destinations, total costs for a family of four over four nights start from around €650 in Akrata and reach up to €1,180 in Halkidiki, according to the report, which states these remain notably lower than most popular island destinations. Price increases on the mainland are reported at 4% to 8% year-on-year, compared with 6% to 11% on the islands, which the report attributes to greater accommodation supply on the mainland.

Why families choose short-term rentals

Citing data from Airbnb, the report states that more than 85% of homes chosen by families have at least two bedrooms, around 90% have a fully equipped kitchen, about 80% have a washing machine, and more than 65% have private outdoor space. A separate survey by Vrbo cited in the report found that 67% of travellers who choose short-term rental homes cite larger space, privacy and better suitability for family needs as their main reasons, while Airbnb has reported that family travel on its platform has risen by around 60% compared with pre-pandemic levels.

The report notes that homes able to accommodate four or more people are booked out several weeks before the mid-August period in Greece, particularly in the most popular island destinations, which it says keeps both pre-booking rates and prices at high levels.