Santorini, the picturesque Greek island known for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings, faced an unprecedented influx of tourists on July 23, 2024. On this single day, the island welcomed 11,000 cruise passengers, sparking renewed concerns about overtourism and its impact on the local community and infrastructure.
The arrival of such a large number of tourists, brought in by seven cruise ships, nearly doubled the island’s population for the day. This surge led to overcrowded streets, long waiting times at popular viewpoints, and significant strain on Santorini’s resources. Local officials, including the mayor of Thira (Santorini), Nikos Zorzos, have been vocal about the need to impose limits on the number of cruise ship visitors to preserve the island’s unique charm and prevent further strain on its infrastructure.
In response to the overwhelming number of tourists, Panagiotis Kavallaris, president of the Thira municipal community, urged residents to limit their movements to avoid the crowded areas. This appeal, however, was met with mixed reactions, with some comparing it to a lockdown and criticizing the prioritization of tourism over residents’ daily lives.
The issue of overtourism is not new to Santorini. In 2022, the island received around 1.3 million cruise passengers out of a total of 3.4 million tourists. The local government has been advocating for a cap on daily cruise ship visitors, proposing a limit of 8,000 passengers per day starting in 2025. This measure aims to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to maintain the island’s quality of life and natural beauty.
As Santorini continues to attract millions of visitors each year, the debate over sustainable tourism practices remains a pressing concern for both residents and authorities. The recent influx of 11,000 cruise passengers in a single day underscores the urgent need for effective measures to manage tourism and protect the island’s future.