Brit favorite bans cruises from ‘over-saturated’ islands to curb overtourism

On Jun 15, 2024

Greece is set to become the latest country to crackdown on tourism by scaling back the number of cruise ships visiting its “over-saturated” islands.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis plans to ‘protect’ summer hotspots such as Santorini and Mykonos from the hordes of visitors flocking to the island for the perfect Instagram photo.

It comes amid fears some islands are buckling under the pressure of overtourism. Last month, anti-tourist graffiti appeared in the Greek capital Athens calling for an end to “over- tourism.”

Click for more of the latest news from the Daily Star.

Nearly 750 cruise ships visited Mykonos – popular with Brits seeking sandy beaches and a party atmosphere – last year, up 23 per cent on the year before.

Mitsotakis said the number of berths or anchoring slots could also be reduced.

A woman walks along a coastal path on the edge of the sea. Behind her, a stream of diners sat outside can be seen — Mykonos has seen its streets becoming rammed with tourists
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

He said: “I think we’ll do it next year. Santorini is the most sensitive. Mykonos will be second.

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

Greece’s tourism industry played a huge role in the nation’s economic recovery following a decade of debt and it currently accounts for around a quarter of its economic output.

Woman looking over the sea on a Greek Island — Mykonos has seen a surge in the number of cruise ships docking there
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

Post-covid, it has smashed records for tourist visits and spending after a surge in influencers visiting its beautiful island resorts.

Santorini is especially popular with Instagrammers with it whitewashed terraces and balconies that overlook its picturesque rugged landscape.

But the impact of visitors is starting to have a negative effect and the island’s 15,000 inhabitants are struggling to cope with an estimated 5.5million tourists flocking there each year.

People take a selfie on a cruise ship with a Greek island view behind them — Greek islands have become flooded with Instagrammers searching for the perfect selfie
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

The move comes after European destinations implemented anti-tourist measures following a growing wave of complaints over gridlocked roads and overcrowded beaches.

Mallorca and Tenerife have seen mass anti-tourist protests.

And civic leaders in Lauterbrunnen – dubbed Europe’s ‘most Instagrammable village’ – plan to charge daytrippers in a bid to curb overtourism.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.