Santorini Mayor Warns of Overtourism Crisis

Santorini, Greece’s most Instagrammable and visited island, is at risk of losing its charm due to rampant development, the island’s mayor has warned. Unless immediate measures are taken to curb overtourism, the island’s unique landscape and appeal could be permanently damaged.

With an estimated 3.4 million tourists expected this year, Mayor Nikos Zorzos has called for urgent action to halt an ongoing building spree that threatens the island’s future.

“We live in a place with just 25,000 souls, and we don’t need more hotels or more rooms to rent,” Zorzos told The Guardian. “If you destroy the landscape, one as rich as ours, you destroy the very reason people come here in the first place.”

The Impact of Mass Tourism

The surge in construction is directly tied to record-breaking visitor numbers. According to Zorzos, Santorini had already reached its saturation point before the COVID-19 pandemic, yet development has continued at an unsustainable pace.

Famed for its breathtaking sunsets and stunning natural beauty, Santorini now boasts around 80,000 hotel beds—more per square meter than any other Greek tourist destination except Kos and Rhodes. Nearly 20% of the island has already been covered in concrete. Despite this, Greek authorities approved additional building permits between 2018 and 2022, adding another 449,579 square meters of construction—roughly 2% of Santorini’s total 76-square-kilometer (30-square-mile) area.

The Rise of Luxury Tourism

Foreign hotel chains and strategic tourism investors have spearheaded requests for new developments, many outside regulated areas. These projects often include luxury accommodations costing thousands of euros per night, targeting affluent tourists from India and China in the coming years.

Greece aims to attract nearly 40 million tourists nationwide by 2028—5.5 million more than this year and almost four times the country’s total population. This rapid growth raises concerns about the sustainability of the nation’s most fragile destinations.

Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns

For Mayor Zorzos, a former ancient Greek teacher, the consequences of unchecked tourism expansion are as severe as the climate crisis itself. While Santorini has made strides in water management by building desalination plants, below-average rainfall in recent years has placed additional strain on the island’s limited water resources and infrastructure.

“The environment is our home, and by destroying it, we are harming ourselves,” he emphasized. “We should learn from history: no ancient civilization that respected beauty ever declined.”

A Changing Island

Reelected for a third term, the 64-year-old mayor recalls a time when Santorini’s economy revolved around mining, tomato paste production, and winemaking—all made possible by its rich volcanic soil. Mass tourism only gained momentum in the 1990s, radically transforming the island’s landscape and economy.

“Back then, the idea of tourists arriving en masse to enjoy expensive cocktails and panoramic views of the volcanic caldera would have seemed like a distant dream,” Zorzos reflected. “Electricity only reached local homes in 1974.”

A Wider Greek Dilemma

Santorini is not alone in facing the challenges of overtourism. Other Aegean islands, once considered remote and unsuitable for mass tourism, are now grappling with the pressures of booming visitor numbers.

Local residents have become increasingly vocal in their opposition. Last year, rolling protests erupted against businesses monopolizing beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas, forcing the central government to address growing concerns.

The Cyclades: The Epicenter of Overtourism

The Cyclades are among the most vulnerable Greek regions to overtourism. Islands like Santorini and Mykonos have become playgrounds for footballers and Hollywood stars, often at the expense of local Greeks. The influx of massive cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers has further exacerbated the issue.

This summer, 17,000 holidaymakers per day have been crowding the narrow streets of Fira, Santorini’s clifftop town. “There have been times when the pressure is unbearable,” Zorzos said, citing instances where five cruise ships arrived simultaneously. “Everywhere is full of people who have no time to stop, no time to enjoy, who are actually full of anxiety because they are in such a hurry.”

Government Response and Cruise Ship Regulations

Greece has cemented its position as one of the world’s top 10 travel destinations, with Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni aiming to transform the country into a “global tourism powerhouse.”

However, as the Cyclades face increasing struggles with overtourism, the Greek government appears to be taking note—particularly regarding cruise ships. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has acknowledged that Santorini and Mykonos are “clearly suffering” and has raised the possibility of limiting arrivals. Authorities have discussed disembarkation fees and are working toward capping daily disembarkations at 8,000—a measure Zorzos has long advocated for as a “reasonable” berth allocation.

“The cruise industry is key to our tourism, which is key to the Greek economy,” a senior government official stated anonymously. “But it is clear that this cannot continue. There is a very strong feeling that the whole Santorini project needs to be rethought.”

Hope for a Sustainable Future

Despite yet another frenetic tourism season, Mayor Zorzos remains hopeful. “I may still feel like Sisyphus,” he said, referencing the mythological king condemned to eternally push a boulder uphill. “But attitudes have changed. Before, people thought I was wrong to be so critical. Now, they stop me in the street to say how right I was. We don’t want to be like Venice or Barcelona. We know it can’t go on like this.”

The Future of Santorini

As tourism continues to reshape Santorini, Mayor Zorzos remains steadfast in his call for responsible growth. Without immediate action, the very essence of what makes Santorini special—its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and traditional charm—could be lost forever due to overtourism.

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Santorini Mayor Warns of Overtourism Crisis