As the sun sets over the iconic white-washed buildings of Santorini and the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos hums to life, Greece is taking bold steps to preserve the charm of its most famous islands. Starting July 1, 2025, a new €20 tourist tax will be imposed on cruise ship passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season. This measure, announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, aims to curb overtourism, protect local infrastructure, and promote sustainable travel in these idyllic destinations. With Greece welcoming a record 32.7 million tourists in 2023, generating €20.5 billion in revenue, the pressure on these small islands has reached a tipping point. This article explores the new tourist tax, its implications for travelers, locals, and the environment, and how Greece is balancing tourism with sustainability in 2025.
The Overtourism Crisis in Santorini and Mykonos
Santorini and Mykonos, two of Greece’s most picturesque Cycladic islands, are synonymous with luxury, romance, and Instagram-worthy sunsets. However, their popularity has come at a cost. In 2023, Santorini, with a population of just 25,000, welcomed 1.3 million cruise ship passengers alone, arriving on approximately 800 vessels. Mykonos, known for its cosmopolitan vibe, saw 749 cruise ships dock, bringing 1.2 million visitors. These staggering numbers have strained local infrastructure, overwhelmed public services, and sparked concerns among residents about the sustainability of mass tourism.
Overtourism in these islands manifests in crowded streets, long queues, water shortages, and environmental degradation. For instance, Santorini’s volcanic geography and limited freshwater resources are under immense pressure, exacerbated by the high volume of day-trippers who consume resources without contributing significantly to the local economy. Mykonos faces similar challenges, with rising rental prices pushing locals out of their homes as properties are converted into short-term tourist accommodations.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has acknowledged these issues, stating, “Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem, but some destinations face significant challenges during certain weeks or months of the year.” He emphasized that cruise ship tourism has disproportionately burdened Santorini and Mykonos, prompting the government to introduce targeted interventions. The €20 tourist tax is a cornerstone of this strategy, designed to regulate visitor numbers and fund improvements to local infrastructure.
Details of the New €20 Tourist Tax
Starting July 1, 2025, cruise ship passengers disembarking in Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season (typically June to August) will be required to pay a €20 fee per person. This levy applies exclusively to cruise visitors, who often spend just a few hours on the islands, contributing to overcrowding without staying long enough to support local businesses. The tax will be collected at the port, and a portion of the revenue will be reinvested into the islands’ infrastructure, including waste management, public transportation, and water supply systems.
In addition to the tax, Greece is implementing other measures to manage cruise tourism. Santorini will cap daily cruise passengers at 8,000 starting in 2025, a significant reduction from peak days that saw up to 17,000 visitors. Mykonos will introduce a berth allocation system to stagger cruise ship arrivals, minimizing congestion. These regulations aim to create a more manageable flow of tourists, ensuring a better experience for visitors and residents alike.
The tourist tax is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism. Greece has also increased its climate resilience tax (previously known as the accommodation tax) for overnight stays, with rates ranging from €1.50 to €10 per night depending on the accommodation type. From April to October 2025, visitors staying in 3-star hotels will pay €5 per night, while those in 5-star hotels will pay €10. These funds will support environmental conservation and infrastructure upgrades, addressing issues like water shortages and pollution caused by tourism.
Why Greece Is Taking Action
The decision to impose a tourist tax reflects Greece’s commitment to balancing tourism’s economic benefits with the well-being of its communities and environment. Tourism accounts for approximately 25% of Greece’s GDP, with 2023 seeing nearly 31 million arrivals. However, the concentration of visitors in popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos has led to significant challenges:
- Infrastructure Strain: The influx of cruise passengers overwhelms public services, including transportation, waste management, and water supply. Santorini, for example, lacks drinkable tap water, and the high volume of visitors exacerbates resource scarcity.
- Environmental Impact: Increased maritime traffic contributes to water pollution, while the heavy footfall damages fragile ecosystems. Santorini’s caldera zone faces environmental risks, prompting draft legislation to restrict new constructions, such as swimming pools and building extensions.
- Housing Crisis: The demand for short-term rentals has driven up property prices, making it difficult for locals to afford housing. In response, Greece has banned new short-term leases in central Athens for one year, a measure that could extend to the islands if needed.
- Resident Discontent: Locals in Santorini and Mykonos have voiced frustration over overtourism. Protests, though less intense than those in Venice or Barcelona, have called for curbs on tourist numbers. A viral social media post by a Santorini councilor in 2023, urging residents to stay indoors to accommodate 17,000 cruise passengers, highlighted the severity of the issue.
By introducing the tourist tax and limiting cruise arrivals, Greece aims to mitigate these challenges while preserving the islands’ allure. The revenue generated will fund sustainable initiatives, ensuring that Santorini and Mykonos remain vibrant destinations for future generations.
Global Context: Greece Joins the Fight Against Overtourism
Greece is not alone in addressing overtourism. Across Europe, popular destinations are implementing similar measures to manage visitor numbers and protect local communities. For example:
- Venice, Italy: In 2025, Venice will charge day-trippers a €5 entry fee on high-traffic days, with fines for non-compliance. Overnight visitors are exempt, as they already pay a tourist tax. The city also restricts cruise ship access to reduce congestion.
- Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona has increased its tourist tax and cracked down on illegal short-term rentals to alleviate housing shortages. Protests by locals have highlighted the impact of overtourism on their quality of life.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam has raised its tourist tax and limited cruise ship dockings to reduce environmental damage and overcrowding.
These global trends underscore the growing recognition that mass tourism, if unchecked, can erode the cultural and natural heritage that attracts visitors in the first place. Greece’s €20 cruise tax aligns with this shift toward sustainable tourism, positioning the country as a leader in responsible travel policies.
Implications for Travelers in 2025
For travelers planning a Greek island getaway in 2025, the new tourist tax and regulations will have several implications:
- Increased Costs: Cruise passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos will need to budget an additional €20 per person per visit. For a family of four, this could add €80 to the cost of a single day trip. Combined with the increased climate resilience tax for overnight stays, travelers should factor in these fees when planning their budgets.
- Improved Visitor Experience: The cap on daily cruise passengers and berth allocation system will reduce overcrowding, making it easier to explore the islands’ attractions, such as Santorini’s Oia village or Mykonos’ Little Venice. Visitors can expect shorter queues and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Encouragement of Off-Peak Travel: The higher taxes during peak season (April to October) may incentivize travelers to visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), when the islands are less crowded, and rates are lower.
- Shift to Alternative Destinations: Travel experts suggest exploring less-visited Greek islands, such as Milos, Naxos, or Zakynthos, which offer similar beauty without the crowds. These islands are accessible by ferry or smaller cruise ships, providing a more authentic experience.
- ETIAS Requirement: Starting in 2026, non-EU citizens, including those from the US, UK, and Canada, will need to apply for pre-travel authorization under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). While this won’t affect 2025 travel, it’s worth noting for future trips to Greece.
Travelers can mitigate the impact of these changes by booking cruises that visit less popular ports, opting for land-based accommodations to support local businesses, and embracing sustainable practices, such as minimizing water usage and respecting local customs.
Local Perspectives: A Mixed Reaction
The tourist tax has elicited varied responses from Santorini and Mykonos residents. Many welcome the measure, seeing it as a step toward preserving their islands’ livability and natural beauty. Maria Psychogiou, a shop owner in Santorini’s Oia, expressed frustration with cruise passengers who treat the island as a “photo opportunity” without engaging with its culture. She hopes the tax will encourage more thoughtful tourism.
However, some local businesses, particularly those reliant on cruise traffic, worry about the tax’s impact. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has expressed concerns, arguing that the levy could deter cruise operators from including Santorini and Mykonos in their itineraries. Despite these objections, CLIA has committed to complying with the new regulations, including the daily passenger cap and berth allocation system.
Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos supports the tax and has advocated for local authorities to control its allocation. He also plans to reinstate a digital berth allocation system in 2025, which requires cruise lines to apply for mooring spots two years in advance. This system will help manage passenger flows and prevent exceeding the 8,000 daily limit.
Environmental Benefits and Sustainability Goals
The tourist tax aligns with Greece’s broader environmental goals, particularly in addressing the ecological impact of overtourism. Santorini and Mykonos face unique challenges due to their fragile ecosystems and limited resources. Key environmental benefits of the new measures include:
- Reduced Resource Strain: By limiting cruise passengers, the islands can better manage water and energy consumption, critical issues given Santorini’s lack of potable tap water.
- Infrastructure Investment: Revenue from the tax will fund upgrades to waste management and public transportation, reducing pollution and improving efficiency.
- Ecosystem Protection: Restrictions on new constructions in Santorini’s caldera zone will preserve its volcanic landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate.
These efforts reflect Greece’s commitment to sustainable tourism, a priority echoed by Prime Minister Mitsotakis, who has emphasized the need to protect the islands’ “authenticity and charm.” By reinvesting tax revenue into environmental initiatives, Greece aims to ensure that Santorini and Mykonos remain pristine destinations for years to come.
How to Plan a Sustainable Trip to Greece in 2025
For travelers eager to experience Santorini and Mykonos responsibly, here are some tips to minimize your impact while maximizing your enjoyment:
- Visit During Shoulder Seasons: Travel in May or September to avoid peak crowds and enjoy milder weather. You’ll also benefit from lower accommodation taxes during the off-season.
- Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Opt for hotels with sustainable practices, such as water-saving measures and renewable energy use.
- Support Local Businesses: Dine at family-run tavernas, shop at local markets, and book tours with Greek operators to contribute directly to the community.
- Explore Alternative Islands: Consider destinations like Sifnos, Paros, or Crete, which offer stunning landscapes and rich culture without the overtourism challenges.
- Respect Local Customs: Follow guidelines posted in villages, such as respecting private homes and holy sites, and avoid excessive photography in crowded areas.
By adopting these practices, travelers can help preserve Greece’s beauty while enjoying an authentic and memorable vacation.
The Future of Tourism in Greece
The €20 tourist tax is a pivotal moment for Greece, signaling a shift toward sustainable tourism that prioritizes quality over quantity. While Santorini and Mykonos are the initial focus, similar measures could be extended to other islands if overtourism persists. The government’s multi-pronged approach—combining taxes, passenger caps, and environmental regulations—sets a precedent for other destinations grappling with similar issues.
As Greece prepares for another busy tourism season in 2025, the success of these measures will depend on collaboration between the government, local communities, and the tourism industry. By addressing overtourism head-on, Greece is not only protecting its iconic islands but also redefining what it means to be a responsible travel destination in the 21st century.
For travelers, the message is clear: Santorini and Mykonos remain must-visit destinations, but they come with a responsibility to tread lightly. By embracing sustainable practices and supporting local efforts, visitors can help ensure that these islands continue to captivate the world for generations to come.
