The Greek island of Santorini is grappling with over-tourism, a lack of off-season activities for locals, limited local industry, and high rents driven by external demand. These challenges are exacerbated by the pressing threats of forest fires and water shortages linked to the climate crisis. According to Bloomberg, the island’s wine industry has been hit hard, with vine production dropping by 50% due to water shortages.
Despite efforts to curb tourist numbers since 2012, Santorini expects 3.4 million visitors this summer. Local Mayor Nikos Zorzos has been unable to enforce a construction ban and calls on the central government in Athens for assistance.
In response, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis plans to restrict cruise ships visiting the most popular Greek islands starting next year. This decision follows a near doubling of cruise ship numbers in 2023 compared to 2022. Additionally, the Greek government is preparing to limit short-term leases on apartments to address housing concerns.
In Santorini, the aim is to cap cruise visitors at 8,000 per day (this was previously the case before the pandemic), and this year the number of cruise ships has been brought down to 48 days from 63, a trend that is likely to continue.
