‘Worst season ever’: How things got ugly on Greece’s ‘Instagram island’
Rammed streets, angry locals, upset tourists – yet business owners complain of empty hotels. Here’s how Santorini found itself in a tourism crisis.
Santorini, the stunning Greek island known for its white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches, is facing a tourism dilemma. With 3.4 million visitors annually, the island's infrastructure is under pressure, particularly in the high season, when up to 17,000 cruise ship passengers descend daily. The narrow streets and balconies of Fira and Oia, renowned for its sunsets, are packed with visitors seeking the perfect selfie.
The overcrowding has led to discontent among locals, with some comparing the island to Times Square. In response, Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos has proposed a cap of 8,000 cruise ship visitors per day, a move supported by the Prime Minister. The issue of "overtourism" is not unique to Santorini; it has become a buzzword in travel, with destinations struggling to balance economic benefits with residents' quality of life and environmental sustainability.
Local tour operator Gianluca Chimenti argues that the issue is not simply too many tourists but a lack of infrastructure and effective management. He notes that outside of peak times, the island is quiet, with hotels and restaurants well below capacity. Chimenti suggests improving the island's infrastructure and promoting diverse attractions, such as archaeological sites, to distribute visitors more evenly and reduce crowding.
Santorini's reputation for overcrowding has also led to a decrease in longer-stay visitors, impacting the local economy. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has recognized the issue and met with Greek officials to discuss improvements to port infrastructure and diversifying cruise itineraries to relieve pressure on popular destinations.
Despite the challenges, Santorini remains a sought-after destination for honeymoons and weddings, with its romantic vistas and famous sunsets. Careful planning, such as choosing quieter accommodations and avoiding peak times in popular towns, can still provide a magical experience, as honeymooners Katie and Rob Haslam discovered. Their advice? Steer clear of Fira when the cruise ships arrive and enjoy the sunset from the privacy of your balcony.
The overcrowding has led to discontent among locals, with some comparing the island to Times Square. In response, Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos has proposed a cap of 8,000 cruise ship visitors per day, a move supported by the Prime Minister. The issue of "overtourism" is not unique to Santorini; it has become a buzzword in travel, with destinations struggling to balance economic benefits with residents' quality of life and environmental sustainability.
Local tour operator Gianluca Chimenti argues that the issue is not simply too many tourists but a lack of infrastructure and effective management. He notes that outside of peak times, the island is quiet, with hotels and restaurants well below capacity. Chimenti suggests improving the island's infrastructure and promoting diverse attractions, such as archaeological sites, to distribute visitors more evenly and reduce crowding.
Santorini's reputation for overcrowding has also led to a decrease in longer-stay visitors, impacting the local economy. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has recognized the issue and met with Greek officials to discuss improvements to port infrastructure and diversifying cruise itineraries to relieve pressure on popular destinations.
Despite the challenges, Santorini remains a sought-after destination for honeymoons and weddings, with its romantic vistas and famous sunsets. Careful planning, such as choosing quieter accommodations and avoiding peak times in popular towns, can still provide a magical experience, as honeymooners Katie and Rob Haslam discovered. Their advice? Steer clear of Fira when the cruise ships arrive and enjoy the sunset from the privacy of your balcony.