Greece Plans to Limit Cruise Ships at Popular Islands

Greece plans to limit the number of cruise ships visiting its popular islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, according to a report by Bloomberg.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that a cap on cruise ships will be implemented sometime “next year.” While he did not provide specific details, Mitsotakis mentioned that ships might need to bid for berths, and there could be restrictions on the total number of berths available.

The initiative aims to address overtourism on these islands. In the previous year, approximately 800 ships carrying 1.3 million guests stopped at Santorini, while nearly 750 vessels visited Mykonos.

“There are people spending a lot of money to be on Santorini, and they don’t want the island to be swamped,” Mitsotakis told Bloomberg. “Plus, the island can’t afford it, even in terms of security.”

Greece is joining a growing list of destinations reconsidering cruise ship policies due to overtourism concerns. Cities like Juneau, Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona have already enacted bans or limitations on cruise vessels.

By implementing these measures, Greece aims to preserve the quality of the visitor experience and ensure the sustainability and security of its renowned island destinations.