Beginning July 1, 2025, vessels calling at the Greek island ports of Santorini and Mykonos during the high season will be subject to a €20 per passenger levy. Cruise operators are expected to absorb this charge within their fare structures, rather than imposing it directly on disembarking guests. The measure, initially scheduled for an earlier launch, was deferred due to recent seismic activity near Santorini, which had temporarily suspended cruise calls to the region.
Based on last season’s traffic, with roughly 1.3 million cruise guests visiting these two islands, the aggregated cost to cruise lines this year could reach approximately US$45 million. This fiscal shift aligns with broader national efforts to manage the increasing burden of overtourism on Greece’s most frequented island destinations.
In ports beyond Santorini and Mykonos, a seasonal tax structure will also take effect. Rates will range from €1 during the low season, €3 in the shoulder months, and up to €5 per passenger at the height of summer (June through September). These levies form part of a coordinated national strategy to alleviate strain on port infrastructure and local ecosystems, particularly in locales where six or more ships might anchor simultaneously.
Greek authorities have previously floated the possibility of setting vessel limits per day in particularly congested harbors. While no formal cap has been enacted, this tax regime is a preliminary measure aimed at regulating maritime tourism through economic instruments rather than hard restrictions.
Proceeds from the levies are earmarked for infrastructure enhancements, port maintenance, and environmental protection programs. These funds are intended to support sustainable cruise tourism in Greece, preserving the character and capacity of its storied harbors.
In maritime terms, this development represents a shift in the fiscal burden—relocated from individual passengers at disembarkation to the voyage manifest itself—tucked into the fare and charted as part of broader navigational planning. As Greek ports brace for another record season, this levy marks a new course plotted toward long-term stewardship of its coastal jewels.