Greece has decided to put an end to the overcrowding of its most popular islands, Santorini and Mykonos. Starting July 1st, cruise ship passengers will have to pay a new tourist tax of a whopping 20 euros just to visit these islands. Yes, you read that right – 20 euros just to set foot on these paradise destinations! And this isn’t just during the peak tourist season, which lasts until September 30th, but also during transitional periods when the fee is slightly lower but still significant. For other Greek ports, the tax is 5 euros during the main season and 3 euros in transitional periods. For the rest of the year, passengers will pay 4 euros on Santorini and Mykonos, and 1 euro elsewhere.
Why this new tax? Greece is facing the problem of overtourism, especially on Santorini and Mykonos, where thousands of cruise tourists arrive daily. This measure was introduced to curb the excessive pressure and to collect money for tourist infrastructure projects. Originally, the tax was supposed to come into effect on June 1st but was postponed due to a drop in tourism after an earthquake earlier this year.
Is this the end of free enjoyment of Greek beauties? Not quite. But it’s clear Greece wants to cash in on mass tourism that has led to overcrowding and infrastructure problems. In a record-breaking 2023, Greek ports recorded a total of 7.93 million cruise passengers, with the port of Piraeus near Athens leading, and Santorini and Mykonos ranking second and third. Mykonos is expected to host around 1.5 million cruise tourists this season.
So, if you plan to hop on a cruise and visit these paradise spots, get ready to shell out an extra 20 euros. Is this fair or just another way to squeeze tourists dry? Share your thoughts, maybe it’s time to ask – who really profits from mass tourism? Or is this just the beginning of a new era of tourist taxes that will follow us everywhere? Either way, brace yourself for new costs and don’t forget to bring a good sense of humor – because Greece is now officially more expensive than ever!
