ATHENS -After being confined by island fever but allowed out again due to the easing of COVID-19 pandemic health measures, Australians are now seeking to travel to various places, and Greece is a favorite destination.

According to the online travel research company, Webjet, bookings to Athens from Australia have skyrocketed by 369.5%, making it one of the top destinations for the summer months. This marks a significant increase from last year, when air travel was more restricted, and Athens only placed ninth in popularity.

Athens is also ranked fourth as the most popular destination booked by 18-25-year-olds during the summer months. Despite the city’s lack of charm compared to many European cities, its coffee shops and funky neighborhoods have developed a buzz that appeals to young travelers.

According to News.com.au, Greece is dominating TikTok travel bucket lists, with #greekislands and #santorini racking up a combined total of 12 million views in Australia over the last four months.

“Greece seems to have a unique spell over Aussies during the European summer season,” said David Galt, CEO of Webjet OTA, in an interview with the news site. Greece also has a Greek Diaspora of 424,750, according to the 2021 census.

The article also noted that “with the promise of glistening blue waters and sunshine, Greece has jumped right into the top three most searched international destinations for EU summer.”

Greece is expecting to have a record tourism year, surpassing 2019 before the Coronavirus pandemic struck the world in early 2020, bringing lockdowns and nearly shutting off international air traffic completely. In 2022, Greece essentially ended its health restrictions, with vaccination proof no longer required and life returning largely to normal. However, the virus is still making people ill, hospitalized, and causing fatalities.