Santorini’s dream destination turns chaotic as tourist influx overwhelms the island, prompting locals to demand visitor limits.

Post by : Elena Malik

Santorini, Greece, has become a focal point of concern as the once tranquil island now grapples with an overwhelming influx of tourists. The island's picturesque charm, characterized by whitewashed houses and iconic blue-domed churches, is being overshadowed by the sheer volume of visitors arriving daily. Tourists pour into Santorini via various means—dinghies from massive cruise liners, coaches navigating the island's steep hills, and donkeys trotting through the narrow, cobbled streets.

The scene is often a spectacle: visitors, armed with selfie sticks and cameras, stake out spots to witness the renowned Santorini sunset. As the sun sets, crowds swell, with people packing the cliffside and even squeezing onto balconies, all eager to capture the moment. For many, like American tourist Maria Tavarez, the visit is a long-held dream fulfilled. "This has been my dream since high school," Tavarez said.

However, for the island’s 20,000 permanent residents, the reality of mass tourism has begun to mar their once-idyllic environment. As in other popular tourist destinations like Venice and Barcelona, Santorini’s experience highlights the broader impacts of uncontrolled tourism. 

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Local authorities and residents have voiced growing concerns about the adverse effects of this tourism boom. According to Mayor Nikos Zorzos, Santorini saw around 3.4 million tourists last year. This surge has placed severe strain on the island's infrastructure, contributing to increased living costs and making housing unaffordable for locals. To address these issues, Zorzos has advocated for a cap on the number of cruise ship visitors, proposing a reduction from the current 17,000 daily visitors to 8,000.

Zorzos argues, "It is in the best interest of our land for there to be a limit." He has long been pushing for stricter controls on tourism to preserve the island's quality of life and environment.

Even those who profit from the tourism sector are expressing concerns. Georgios Damigos, who manages a 14-room hotel established by his parents in the 1980s, notes a decline in living standards due to the overwhelming number of tourists. He warns that Santorini, a natural marvel, risks becoming "a monster" if current trends continue.

The island's tourism boom is part of a broader trend in Greece, where national tourism revenues increased by 16% in the first five months of the year. The number of arrivals in 2024 is projected to exceed the record 33 million seen last year.

Despite the concerns, some argue that the influx of visitors brings economic benefits. Alexandros Pelekanos, vice president of the island's trade association, suggests that careful planning and infrastructure development can mitigate negative effects. "Do we want money or not? Do we want to have work and revenues or not?" he asked.

Tourists remain largely unfazed by the issues. Portuguese visitor Rita Critovao commented on the narrow streets, saying, “It’s hard to walk around but it’s quite beautiful. I would advise everyone to come.” Meanwhile, a sign in Santorini reminds visitors, "RESPECT. It's your holiday... but it's our home," highlighting the delicate balance between tourism and local life.