Picture Greece and the likelihood is that the stacks and stacks of white-washed walls and cobalt blue roofs will spring to mind – they are iconic after all, so it’s hardly surprising so many people flock to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos every year to get an irl glimpse.
But both destinations, like so many across Europe, are buckling under the sheer volume of visitors – and now local authorities have announced a policy to avert overtourism and ease the numbers during peak season.
It comes in the form of a €20 tourist tax, which visitors who arrive specifically on cruise ships will have to pay in both destinations. Greece relies heavily on tourism, with the industry producing €20 billion in revenue to the economy in 2023, but Santorini is also home to 20,000 residents who are keen for numbers to be curbed.
‘Greece does not have a structural over-tourism problem [but] some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with,’ said Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, according to the Telegraph. ‘Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions.’
The money raised will apparently be funnelled back into local infrastructure investments, and regulations on the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously in particular locations are also being considered.
These measures aren’t the only restrictions being placed on tourists. Last week it was announced that the Environment Ministry had introduced draft legislation on building restrictions within Santorini’s caldera zone.
This could mean the suspension of building swimming pools, extensions and brand-new structures, and while the policy is under public consultation, there’s been controversy between environmentalists and local businesses – stay tuned for updates on this.
Take another Greece of our hearts
There’s nowhere quite like Greece – with its ‘gram-worthy beaches, pretty islands and lovely places to visit, the country is arguably the ultimate Mediterranean destination. Headed here for a late-summer vacay? You best brush up on the new nationwide rules on beaches.
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