Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic and sought-after tourist destinations, has long been synonymous with breathtaking views, picturesque villages, and stunning sunsets. As one of the world’s most photographed places, the volcanic island has been a magnet for travelers for years. However, 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Santorini’s tourism industry, as the island deals with the aftermath of a series of earthquakes that rocked the island in February, right in the middle of the high booking period for the peak tourist season.

At , located in the stunning village of , the view remains as mesmerizing as ever. From here, visitors can witness the sweep of the volcanic crater’s cliffs plunging into the deep blue Aegean Sea, with the small islet of outlining the opposite side of the bay. Ferries bustle in and out of the port beneath , Santorini’s capital, while massive cruise ships anchor nearby, appearing like bath toys due to their distance from the cliffside.

But while the views are as spectacular as ever, this year’s tourist season is notably different. Despite the usual hustle and bustle of , the village feels significantly quieter than previous years. This shift has been partly attributed to the impact of the earthquakes, which shook the island’s tourism sector right at the onset of the peak season.

The earthquake activity that shook Santorini in February 2025 was not unlike the tremors that regularly hit Greece, a country situated near a tectonic plate subduction zone. However, this period of seismic activity was different—what stood out was the frequency rather than the intensity of the quakes. The island experienced hundreds of tremors daily, which caused viral social media videos showing rocks tumbling down the cliffs of the caldera. These images drew attention, but the impact on the island’s tourism was evident.

As , general manager of , a luxury hotel where is located, shared, the island had a due to these earthquakes. However, he assured that as things calmed down, bookings began to recover, and the island was despite the initial disruption.

The frequent seismic activity did not cause significant damage to Santorini’s infrastructure or architecture, but it did create a sense of unease. Schools were closed, and many locals left temporarily, although the situation never escalated beyond a manageable level. As put it, it was occasionally “scary,” but he also found it “exciting.” The resilience of the tourism industry in Santorini was undeniable, with the and hospitality services bouncing back quickly as the year progressed.

During a visit to Santorini in late May 2025, just before the peak summer rush, it was evident that the island felt different. While the had been busy upon arrival by ferry, , one of the most popular villages for tourists, was much quieter than usual. This was noticeable not just in the lack of crowds but also in the absence of the at iconic spots like the famous blue-domed churches. Santorini had rarely felt so serene.

As I walked from along the rugged clifftop footpath, I encountered only a small trickle of hikers, a stark contrast to the usual throng of tourists. The normally busy streets of , known for its luxurious sunset-facing hotels, were even quieter, with plunge pools unoccupied and the usual influx of couples posing in their floaty dresses seemingly absent. Even the ubiquitous , a staple of Santorini’s allure, were notably fewer. For those looking to visit , 2025 was proving to be the year to do so.

Despite this quieter atmosphere, it was clear that Santorini’s tourism had been affected by the earlier disruptions. Many visitors arriving early in the season noticed the difference in the usual foot traffic, and the island felt far less crowded than in previous years. However, , marketing manager at , shared that the , was actually . The impact from the earthquakes appeared to be short-lived. In fact, —especially for .

This surprising comes with a few important shifts in the way Santorini is approached by travelers. The that has long plagued Santorini is being actively addressed, with the local government taking steps to reduce overcrowding. One of the measures introduced was a on cruise passengers disembarking at Santorini, which is part of a broader effort to curb the overwhelming number of cruise passengers that flood the island daily.

Santorini has struggled with overtourism for years, with large crowds descending upon its most popular spots, including , during peak seasons. The resulting congestion has led to a decline in the island’s charm, with many travelers complaining about the difficulty of enjoying its beauty amidst the masses. The local government has started implementing strategies to .

In addition to the cruise tax, have changed their menus, moving away from the often associated with the area and instead focusing on offering more . This move responds to a noticeable shift in consumer behavior, with many visitors now preferring more authentic, budget-friendly experiences. According to , this change is also a way to counteract Santorini’s reputation as an .

These changes are expected to enhance the overall guest experience, especially in the heavily visited areas like , where the concentration of luxury accommodations and dining options often leads to higher prices. These new approaches could lead to a more sustainable and attractive tourism model for the island, offering more accessible experiences to travelers without compromising its unique character.

While 2025 has been a year of recovery, it is clear that Santorini’s tourism is beginning to adapt to new realities. There are signs that the island is emerging from the shadow of its recent seismic disruptions with renewed efforts to manage the flow of visitors and to improve the overall tourism experience.

For travelers, the changes are likely to be noticeable. Santorini is shifting from being to one that offers a wider range of experiences, including those that cater to seeking authenticity rather than exclusivity. As Santorini moves toward and a more balanced tourism approach, visitors can expect a more enjoyable and immersive experience, whether they’re visiting during peak season or choosing a quieter time of year.

Travelers seeking a quieter Santorini should consider visiting during the or early in the year before the crowds descend. However, as ‘ Charlie Wakeham indicated, the suggests that Santorini will likely return to its usual levels of popularity over the summer months. While this means the crowds may return, the ongoing efforts to balance tourism will likely make the experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming for visitors.

Santorini has long been one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and while the earthquakes of early 2025 created a temporary setback, the island’s resilience and its efforts to balance tourism demand show promise for the future. is expected to continue thriving, but with changes aimed at making the experience more enjoyable for both visitors and locals alike.

By addressing , fostering , and introducing measures to manage the , Santorini is working towards a more sustainable and authentic tourism model. As it recovers from the setbacks caused by the earthquakes, the island is ready to welcome tourists from around the world, offering them not only its famous views and luxury offerings but also a more .

Whether travelers are looking for the quiet charm of Santorini off-season or hoping to experience the bustling energy of the summer months, the island’s new initiatives are sure to create a more balanced and enjoyable experience for all.