Greece is a travel hot spot for Canadians in June: Skyscanner trending travel destination

As summer vacations are ramping up, Canadians travelling in June are flocking to Athens, the capital of Greece. Information provided to Yahoo Canada by Skyscanner revealed a 50 per cent year-over-year increase in June flight bookings to Athens from Canadian cities.

“With June here, Canadians are looking for a summer destination rich in culture, history and vibrant city life, and Athens is quickly capturing attention,†Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert, shared. “As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens' cultural and political legacy is well known and is filled with historical landmarks, from the Acropolis to Pnyx Hill, where democracy was founded.â€

Why is Athens such a popular destination for Canadian travellers?

According to Skyscanner's 2026 Travel Trends, travel and literature are popular this year, with 24 per cent of Canadians indicating that they plan to visit a famous bookstore or library while vacationing.

“Athens' rich literary history, historic libraries and independent bookshops are a natural fit for curious travellers looking to immerse themselves in the birthplace of Western literature and theatre,†Lindsay shared.

“June also marks the start of Athens' busy summer festival season, and the city comes alive with outdoor concerts, open-air cinemas, jazz festivals and late-night patios. Visitors can spend their days exploring iconic landmarks before catching a performance at the Athens Epidaurus Festival, watching films under the stars, or enjoying the city's buzzing nightlife scene.â€

How much does it cost to go to Athens in June from Canadian cities?

Using Skyscanner search data, round-trip flights from Toronto to Athens in June can currently be found for as low as $636.

Flights from Vancouver to Athens currently start at $892, or $847 from Montreal.

Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights.

3 expert tips on what to do in Athens

For lovers of literature, Lindsay recommends exploring the National Library of Greece and the Athens hidden book district.

“The National Library of Greece is a must-visit for book lovers looking for a serene atmosphere for quiet reading and hidden literary gems,†she advised. “Tucked behind the library is Athens' hidden book district, which is filled with independent bookstores, historic shops that specialize in philosophy and Greek literature and rare finds.â€

“It's truly the perfect place to experience the city's rich literary culture.â€

Something visitors to Athens shouldn't skip is the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.

“No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis as it's the city's most iconic landmark,†Lindsay shared. “Perched high above the city, it is home to remarkable archaeological monuments from classical Greece, including the Parthenon, which dates to the 5th century BC.â€

“Great for history and culture lovers, the nearby Acropolis Museum offers an incredible look into ancient Greek civilization alongside panoramic views of the Acropolis and the city below.â€

For visitors who love shopping, eating great food or just a scenic stroll, Plaka and Monastiraki are where travellers need to go.

“Located just beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is known for its beautiful neoclassical architecture, charming cobblestone streets and traditional Greek tavernas,†Lindsay advised. “Just steps away, Monastiraki is one of Athens' main shopping districts, known for its bustling flea markets, local boutiques, souvenir shops and lively cafés, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon bargain shopping and soaking in the city's atmosphere.â€

“Perfect for foodies and culture lovers, these neighbourhoods blend ancient history with modern Athenian life, from traditional tavernas and boutique shops to stunning Acropolis views.â€

Where to stay in Athens

Exarchia House Project features modern industrial design, with rooms that have fully equipped kitchens. Located in the heart of the city, the Exarchia neighbourhood is particularly vibrant and great for art, music, and literature lovers.

The Monument Hotel in Athens offers luxurious rooms with modern design, surrounded by the city’s history. The property has a beautiful spa with a sauna, a Mediterranean breakfast and a 24-hour concierge.

The Monsieur Didot property is an Athenian neoclassical house, built in the early 20th century, located in the Kolonaki quarter and surrounded by cafés, bars, restaurants and boutiques. Among the variety of rooms and suites, guests can book “The Trilogy,†three rooms that make up the entire first floor, ideal for a large group. Guests can also order a “compact breakfast†for early risers heading on a tour, a meeting, or to the airport.

Skyscanner's Saved Feature: Save those deals to look at later

Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.

Take advantage of the “Saved” feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.

• Step 1: Find your flights and hotel.

• Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

• Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

• Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you’re hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

• Consider “Everywhere”: If you’re hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the “Everywhere” search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

• Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.