17,000 residents against 2 million tourists a year, €1,200-a-night hotels, 500-person queues for the sunset in Oia. Four Greek islands deliver the same charm for a third of the price.
17,000 residents against 2 million tourists a year, €1,200-a-night hotels, 500-person queues for the sunset in Oia. Four Greek islands deliver the same charm for a third of the price.
Santorini has 17,000 permanent residents and welcomes around 2 million tourists a year. In July and August the density matches Manhattan during business hours — except on a volcanic island with no real carrying capacity.
Since July 2025 there is a €20 fee per cruise passenger disembarking in Santorini, created to curb overtourism. It does not solve anything, but it measures the size of the problem admitted by the Greek government itself.
A decent high-season hotel costs €350-1,200 a night. A suite with infinity pool facing the caldera goes beyond €2,500. In Milos, the same 4★ standard costs €120-220.
Sunset in Oia: 500-800 people squeezed onto a 3-metre-wide street. Anyone wanting a photo without a stranger's head in it has to arrive 2 hours early and elbow for space like at a rock concert.
Donkey rides from Fira to the old port were restricted in 2018 after an international animal-cruelty scandal. Today tourists over 100 kg are banned. The island is trying to clean up its image but the reputation damage is done.
17,000 residents against 2 million tourists a year, €1,200-a-night hotels, 500-person queues for the sunset in Oia. Four Greek islands deliver the same charm for a third of the price.
