Monday, July 14, 2025

Cruise travelers planning to visit Greece and its iconic island destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini are being met with a new £17 entry fee, introduced as part of a broader EU-backed initiative to address overtourism. With a record surge in visitor numbers straining local infrastructure and disrupting daily life for residents, authorities aim to use this levy to regulate tourist flow, ease congestion, and fund improvements that support sustainable travel across the region.

Greece to Introduce New Cruise and Accommodation Taxes Amid Concerns Over Overtourism and Strained Island Infrastructure

Tourists planning to cruise through the sun-kissed Greek islands this summer are being alerted to a new tourism fee that could cost up to €20—equivalent to about seventeen pounds—just to disembark at some ports. The new levy is part of a broader initiative aimed at managing the overwhelming influx of visitors and preserving the fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage of Greece’s iconic island destinations.

Greece experienced a major tourism boom in 2023, welcoming approximately 40.7 million travelers to its mainland and islands. This marked a 12.8% rise compared to the previous year and generated an estimated €21.6 billion (around £18.6 billion) in revenue. However, despite the substantial economic windfall, there is growing concern that the benefits have not trickled down to local communities. Many residents argue that the surge in foreign arrivals has led to skyrocketing housing costs and environmental degradation, particularly in popular island areas.

Cruise tourism has emerged as a major pressure point for Greece’s island infrastructure. Large vessels often release thousands of passengers into small ports all at once, stretching local services to their limits. Cafés, restaurants, transportation, and public utilities face abrupt spikes in demand, leaving both residents and travelers frustrated by congestion, long waits, and overcapacity.

In response to these mounting challenges, Greek authorities have announced the implementation of a cruise passenger port fee beginning July 21, 2025. Under the new regulation, travelers arriving at high-volume ports such as Mykonos and Santorini will be charged €20 upon entry. For those docking at smaller, less frequented destinations, the fee will be reduced to €5—about £4.31. The revenue generated from this initiative is intended to support sustainable development and relieve some of the stress on local services and the environment.

To ensure the policy adapts to seasonal visitor patterns, a tiered pricing structure will also be put in place. During the shoulder seasons—April, May, and October—the entry fee will be lowered to €12 (approximately £10) for major tourist hubs, and to €4 (roughly £3.43) for other ports. In the winter months, when tourism activity slows considerably, the rate will drop further to €4 for primary destinations and just €1 (around 86p) for less-visited locations. This flexible pricing model aims to promote off-season travel while helping to balance the distribution of tourists throughout the year.

The Greek government is also addressing tourism impact on the mainland. Visitors staying overnight are subject to an accommodation tax, which varies depending on the standard of lodging. This fee starts at €0.50 (approximately 43p) per room, per night, for budget accommodations and increases to €4 (about £3.45) for five-star hotels. For example, a couple staying in a luxury hotel for one week would see an additional €28 (roughly £24.13) added to their total accommodation costs. While the tax is modest on a nightly basis, it contributes significantly to local funds over time, helping communities maintain infrastructure and invest in tourism management.

Overall, these measures reflect Greece’s broader efforts, in coordination with EU policy trends, to adopt more responsible tourism practices. With the increasing strain of mass tourism threatening both natural resources and cultural identity, Greek authorities are aiming to ensure that visitors contribute fairly to the destinations they enjoy.

The introduction of port entry fees and accommodation taxes represents a growing trend across many European Union nations as they grapple with the dual challenge of promoting tourism while protecting the well-being of residents and the integrity of their environments. For travelers, this means being more mindful of the true cost of tourism—not just in monetary terms, but in its impact on the places they visit.

As the summer travel season heats up, tourists heading to Greece by sea or land are encouraged to factor in these added fees and prepare for a more regulated but ultimately more sustainable travel experience.