Greece to limit cruise ship arrivals in Santorini and Mykonos

02-07-24

Greece is joining the global trend of restrictions and will limit the number of cruise ships that can call at its most iconic destinations, Santorini and Mykonos. According to Bloomberg, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced plans to curb the influx of cruise ships to these islands, stating that both are "clearly suffering" from too many visitors.

In 2023, the Hellenic Ports Association reported 800 cruise ship calls on Santorini and about 750 on Mykonos. This volume of tourism has led to an excessive use of local resources and created inconveniences for tourists seeking a more exclusive experience in these destinations.

To address this situation, the Greek government will implement from 2025 a tendering system to limit the number of berths available to shipping lines. This process seeks to ensure that only a controlled number of cruise ships can disembark in Santorini and Mykonos, thereby reducing pressure on natural resources and improving the tourist experience.

Mitsotakis stresses that the massive arrival of cruise passengers not only depletes the islands' resources, but also negatively affects tourists who stay in hotels and seek tranquility. "There are people who spend a lot of money to be in Santorini and do not want the island to be flooded," said the prime minister. This measure aims to balance tourist activity and preserve the quality of the environment for all visitors.

In addition, these restrictions are expected to encourage more sustainable and higher quality tourism, aligned with global trends to protect tourist destinations from overcrowding and ensure their long-term preservation.