Greece Enforces New Cruise Tax: What It Means for Mykonos and Santorini

Mykonos, Greece - As of July 1, 2025, Greece has begun implementing a new tax aimed at cruise ship visitors to its most popular islands, Mykonos and Santorini. This initiative is part of broader efforts within Europe to tackle the ongoing challenges of overtourism, which many destinations have struggled with. The new law, adopted last year, seeks to effectively manage the influx of tourists to these high-traffic areas during the peak summer season, especially from June to September.

For those planning a trip to these stunning islands, it’s important to note that the tax will amount to up to 20 euros (approximately $22) per cruise passenger in Mykonos and Santorini, while visitors to other islands will face a smaller charge of 5 euros. Greek authorities are optimistic that this tax will generate around 50 million euros or $59 million annually, providing much-needed funds to manage tourist facilities and infrastructure.

Tackling Overtourism

The decision to levy this tax echoes moves made by other popular European destinations, exemplifying a united front against the repercussions of mass tourism. In Venice, for example, a similar measure came into force, with day visitors facing an entrance fee of $5.15 during peak times, while in Spain, Airbnb faces scrutiny as the government has recently mandated the removal of non-compliant short-term rental listings. Activists in Ibiza have even organized protests against the overwhelming influx of tourists that threatens the local way of life.

Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has assured citizens that Greece does not suffer from a systemic overtourism issue. However, he does acknowledge that certain locations grapple with significant visitor strain at specific times each year. To address these concerns, there are plans not only to impose the new tax but also to possibly limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at certain destinations throughout the summer.

European Trends in Tourism Management

Greece is not alone in its quest to enhance the quality of life for residents while preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty. The European Parliament has highlighted the risks posed by overtourism not only to the fabric of local communities but also to cherished cultural and historic sites. The introduction of daily visitor caps at iconic attractions like the Acropolis and restrictions on cruise ships in cities such as Dubrovnik further illustrates this point.

Countries across Europe—like Amsterdam, where increased tourist taxes are also becoming the norm—are adopting similar strategies. These measures aim to alleviate pressure on local infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and create a more sustainable travel experience for everyone involved.

As travelers navigate these new regulations, it’s vital to stay informed about the growing trends in European tourism management. The changes not only aim to improve conditions for residents but also to ensure that visitors can enjoy these beautiful destinations without compromising their integrity for future generations. For further details, you can read more about Greece’s new tax regime on El País, and for broader European policies, check out Honct and Transition Pathways.