As of July 1, 2025, Greece has introduced a new cruise tax targeting the country’s most popular island destinations—Santorini and Mykonos. Under this regulation, cruise ships docking at these ports during the high season (June 1 to September 30) will be charged €20 ($23.62) per passenger. Other Greek islands will see a lower tax of €5 per passenger. The move is designed to combat overtourism, ease local infrastructure strain, and help finance critical improvements in port facilities, waste management, and transportation.
The new measure is part of a growing European trend to reduce the environmental and social pressure caused by mass tourism. In 2023, both Santorini and Mykonos received over 1.3 million cruise ship visitors, sparking concerns among residents, officials, and environmental groups. Greece now joins destinations like Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam that have already implemented similar visitor fees or entry restrictions.
Tourism officials say the tax could generate up to €50 million annually, which will go directly toward upgrading ports and better managing cruise tourism. While major ports like Piraeus support the change, some critics argue it could unfairly shift cruise traffic to smaller islands with less infrastructure. Cruise industry representatives have voiced concerns over rising costs but acknowledge the need for sustainable tourism management.
This initiative follows Greece’s earlier overtourism policies, including visitor caps and restrictions on peak-hour entries to archaeological sites like the Acropolis. Combined, these policies signal a national shift toward responsible tourism and long-term sustainability—especially crucial for preserving the charm and livability of Greece’s island gems.
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