Economic relations between Greece and Turkey are undergoing a noticeable transformation as rising prices in Turkey push more citizens to travel across the border in search of cheaper shopping, holidays, and everyday goods.
For decades, the relationship between the two neighboring countries has shifted between political tension and periods of calm cooperation. Today, despite lingering geopolitical differences, tourism and trade between Greece and Turkey are growing rapidly. However, the balance has changed significantly in recent years, with Greece increasingly becoming a favored destination for Turkish travelers looking for affordable experiences.
According to estimates from regional authorities, more than 1.5 million Turkish citizens visited Greece last year — a dramatic rise compared to four years ago, when annual visitor numbers were closer to 500,000. Meanwhile, the number of Greeks visiting Turkey has remained relatively stable.
Many Turkish travelers say the reason is simple: Greece has become cheaper than Turkey in several key areas, especially tourism, dining, groceries, and consumer products.
Residents in Istanbul explained that basic daily necessities in Turkey may still be affordable, but prices rise sharply for premium food, shopping, and leisure activities. As a result, many Turks now travel to nearby Greek cities such as Alexandroupolis, Kavala, and Thessaloniki for vacations and shopping trips.
Popular Greek islands have also seen a major tourism boost. Islands including Rhodes, Kos, Chios, Lesbos, and Samos are attracting thousands of Turkish visitors, especially during the summer season. Much of this growth has been fueled by the “Visa Express” program, which allows Turkish tourists to obtain short-term visas directly at island ports for stays of up to seven days.
The visa initiative was launched following diplomatic talks between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The program is widely viewed as part of broader efforts to improve people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Tourism operators and local businesses in Greece have welcomed the surge in Turkish visitors, which has boosted local economies across border regions and the Aegean islands. August reportedly recorded the highest number of arrivals, followed by July and September.
At the same time, trade patterns between the two nations have shifted considerably. Imports from Turkey into Greece have increased sharply over recent years, climbing from around €1.34 billion in 2020 to more than €3 billion in 2024. In contrast, Greek exports to Turkey have declined after peaking in 2022.
Analysts say the changing economic dynamics reflect Turkey’s ongoing inflation pressures and currency challenges, which have reduced purchasing power for many Turkish citizens. Greece, once considered more expensive by Turkish tourists, is now increasingly viewed as a cost-effective destination offering better value for travel, food, and shopping.
As economic conditions continue to evolve, the growing movement of Turkish visitors into Greece highlights how tourism and consumer behavior are reshaping relations between the two longtime neighbors.
