Athens is among the top 20 European destinations that American travelers choose to visit during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, according to the Allianz Partners Annual European Holiday Destination Index.
A review of more than 165,000 travel itineraries during the holiday season – from November 26, 2025, to January 6, 2026 – found that Athens ranked 13th out of 20 European destinations, up one spot from last year’s ranking, with London being the most popular European destination for American travelers during the 2025 holiday season.
As in 2024, the British capital is at the top of Allianz’s annual index, with Paris, France in second place, Rome, Italy in third, and Madrid, Spain and Dublin, Ireland in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, highlighting the continued attraction of Americans to culturally interesting capitals with festive shopping and symbolic, festive traditions, according to Allianz.
The remaining ten cities are Amsterdam, Netherlands (6th), Frankfurt, Germany (7th), Barcelona, Spain (8th), Munich, Germany (9th), and Lisbon, Portugal (10th) – a combination of classic vacation cities and warmer Mediterranean destinations.
Zurich, Switzerland, and Milan, Italy, which have been consistently popular, rank 11th and 12th, respectively, showing steady interest in staying in cities with access to the Alps and fashion cities.
The list is rounded out by several destinations that changed positions this year, which according to Allianz reflects “the evolution of travel interests across Europe.”
The company noted that Athens, Greece (No. 13), and Edinburgh, Scotland (No. 14), swapped positions in the index, commenting that Americans “weigh the charm of the mild Mediterranean climate and ancient history against the fairytale charm of Edinburgh’s holiday and rich seasonal traditions.”
Vienna, Austria – renowned for its intricate architecture and festive Christmas markets – climbed five spots to 15th place, while Copenhagen, Denmark, entered the list at 16th place, undoubtedly thanks to its welcoming hygge spirit.
Manchester, England, drops two spots to 17th, with Geneva, Switzerland, in 18th place and romantic Venice, Italy, falling one spot to 19th.
The top twenty is completed by Brussels in Belgium (20th place), which fell from the 16th place they held last year. However, they continue to attract travelers with their impressive Winter Wonders festival and their irresistible gastronomic traditions, such as waffles and chocolate.
Allianz Partners said in a statement: “Overall, these destinations underscore the growing desire of Americans for variety in their European travel, from snow-covered markets to vacations in milder climates, as the continent continues to offer something for every type of winter traveler.”
According to air travel data company OAG, the US remains the world’s largest international air travel market, with a 3% increase in transatlantic flight capacity this winter.
The top 20 destinations Americans choose for winter travel in Europe
1. London, England
2. Paris, France
3. Rome, Italy
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Dublin, Ireland
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Frankfurt, Germany
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. Munich, Germany
10. Lisbon, Portugal
11. Zurich, Switzerland
12. Milan, Italy
13. Athens, Greece
14. Edinburgh, Scotland
15. Vienna, Austria
16. Copenhagen, Denmark
17. Manchester, England
18. Geneva, Switzerland
19. Venice, Italy
20. Brussels, Belgium
