Greece is set to introduce an EUR 20 levy on cruise ship passengers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during peak summer months, as part of efforts to manage the impact of overtourism, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced.
Tourism is a critical sector for Greece, which continues to recover from a prolonged economic crisis, with revenues reaching EUR 20 billion in 2023 from ~31 million arrivals. However, popular destinations like Santorini, home to 20,000 permanent residents, have faced increasing pressure from mass tourism.
During a press conference following his 2025 economic policy address, Mitsotakis emphasized that overtourism is not a widespread issue across Greece but is concentrated in a few key locations during high-demand periods. Mitsotakis stated that Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem, but certain destinations are particularly strained by the influx of visitors during peak seasons. Cruise traffic has significantly contributed to this burden in both Santorini and Mykonos, prompting the introduction of the levy.
Revenue generated from the cruise passenger tax will be allocated to local communities to support infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the government plans to regulate the number of cruise ships arriving simultaneously at certain destinations and enforce environmental measures, including water conservation efforts, on the islands.
Mitsotakis also announced plans to raise taxes on short-term rentals and limit new licenses for such properties in central Athens to address housing shortages and better serve permanent residents. These measures aim to balance tourism's economic benefits with the preservation of Greece's iconic destinations.