The Greek islands are a popular destination for German vacationers, and in 2026, Crete, Rhodes, and Kos remain at the top of their preferences, particularly in the German market for family vacations, but also among couples, as revealed by the latest data from the HolidayCheck Travel Report 2026.
The desire of Germans to travel remains high this year, with established holiday destinations, including Crete, continuing to dominate their preferences, while price increases are moderate compared to the past.
As for choosing a travel destination, German vacationers continue to choose the… beaten path, with the Turkish Riviera, Hurghada, Mallorca, and Crete being their top choices for organized vacations in 2026. “These destinations offer a good overall package, combining easy accessibility, quality infrastructure, and value for money,” explains Nina Hammer, a travel expert at HolidayCheck. According to her, many travelers consciously choose destinations they already know, as they know what to expect.
Prices are high at Greek destinations
Crete remains at the center of demand from German vacationers in the summer of 2026, being one of the ten most popular destinations in the category of family vacations, but also the most expensive, as the average price of a one-week vacation package is €4,860. The prices in Kos are similar, with the average cost of a weekly vacation package being €4,510. Followed by Dubai in third place in terms of cost, at 4,500 euros, and Rhodes, also at 4,500 euros.
On the other hand, the more economical destination is Hurghada (€3,370), while Mallorca (€3,980) and the Turkish Riviera (€4,080) are also more economical than the three Greek destinations.
The three Greek islands are in high demand among couples, and Crete and Kos are among the most expensive destinations, with the cost of a week-long vacation package at 2,710 euros and 2,700 euros, respectively, while the corresponding cost for Rhodes is 2,540 euros.
Hurghada (€2,540) is the most economical destination for German couples this summer, followed by Mallorca (€2,330)
The package prices for Crete are up 6% compared to last year, for Majorca 8%, for Hurghada 9%, and for the Turkish Riviera they remain at last year’s levels (+0.4%).
Autumn vacations are gaining more importance
While couples are increasingly traveling outside of the traditional summer periods, autumn vacations are becoming more and more important for families, with October having a booking level comparable to the summer months during the pre-booking period, creating new opportunities for destinations with plenty of sunshine and high temperatures, such as Rhodes and Crete.
October is also a good choice for couples, as a German couple can save up to 800 euros if they travel to Formentera in October instead of July to September, and the corresponding amount they can save on a trip to Costa Brava is 600 euros. However, vacations in Crete for a couple in October are also about 400 euros cheaper than during the summer season.
The results of the recent HolidayCheck survey on vacations show that traveling remains a high priority for Germans, with 60% taking two to three trips per year. About 65% already have specific travel plans for 2026 or have already made reservations. At the same time, 77% would like to take more vacation days, and four out of ten people rest better during a trip.
For Nina Hammer, “vacations will continue to be of great importance to the German population in 2026, being a choice of personal well-being, especially during times when many consider them stressful.”
Long-distance travel returns with the Maldives at the center
At the same time with the steady bookings in Europe, long-distance travel is becoming important again. HolidayCheck has seen a significant increase in demand over the past five years, with the Maldives attracting a lot of interest from both couples and families. This is because, in addition to the high quality standards, many travelers highly appreciate the exceptional privacy, peace, and exclusivity that island resorts offer.
Additionally, access to the Maldives is becoming easier, with large international airlines expanding their route networks from German-speaking countries.
The 10 most popular destinations for German families in the summer of 2026 and the corresponding cost
