To combat the large number of tourists, Greece is to introduce a new tax on passengers on some of the country's most popular islands. Starting July 1, a fee of 17 pounds (20 euros) will be charged for the Greek Islands in Santorini and Mykonos.
This fee will take place during the peak season from June 1st to September 30th. Other Greek ports cost £4.26 (5 Euros) per passenger during the high season. Meanwhile, the shoulder season (October, May, October) will go down to 2.56 pounds (3 euros) per passenger, and in the low season it will drop to 85p (1 euros) (October 1 to May 31).
This tax is designed to help combat overtourism in Greece, particularly Santorini and Mykonos.
On a particularly busy day last year, Santorini residents were asked to limit their movements for the 17,000 visitors expected to arrive on cruise ships.
In a statement, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) said the collection “helps support the infrastructure of Greece's most visited islands and helps ensure that local communities benefit more directly from cruise tourism.”
The tax added that “it reflects the need for a more sustainable balance between visitor numbers and the capabilities of popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, while also helping to protect the quality of the visitor experience.”
The proceeds generated from this tax will be spent supporting local infrastructure, contributing to efforts aimed at reducing the environmental impact of tourism and maintaining the island's beauty and history.
It is currently unclear how the tax will be collected and whether it will be paid directly by the cruise line or by the passengers themselves.
Fees may be integrated into the overall cruise fare for passengers.
The introduction of taxation marks a significant move in Greece's large-scale movement.
In the first six months of 2025, arrivals to Santorini have fallen by 30%.
