Greece has officially launched a new €20 cruise passenger tax targeting Santorini and Mykonos—two of the country’s most iconic but increasingly overcrowded island destinations. Effective from July 1, 2025, the measure is designed to address unsustainable tourism volumes, particularly during the summer peak season when cruise ship arrivals skyrocket.
This move is part of Greece’s broader strategy to manage overtourism and preserve the integrity of its most visited islands. According to the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the tax will apply to all cruise passengers disembarking at Santorini and Mykonos, with no exemptions based on age or nationality.
Why the Cruise Tax Was Introduced
Over the past decade, Santorini and Mykonos have witnessed a sharp increase in cruise tourism, with some days seeing up to 17,000 passengers disembarking in Santorini alone, according to official data from the Hellenic Ports Association. This has caused significant strain on local infrastructure, natural resources, and the quality of life for permanent residents.
The new €20 per-person tax aims to mitigate the environmental impact, fund infrastructure upgrades, and support community-focused tourism development projects. Greek authorities also hope the levy will help distribute tourist traffic more evenly across lesser-known islands and encourage more sustainable travel patterns.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism Elena Rapti, “This measure is a necessary step to safeguard the beauty and viability of our islands. Tourism must contribute more directly to the well-being of our communities and environment.”
Fee Structure and Scope
The policy distinguishes Santorini and Mykonos due to their overwhelming cruise traffic. Other Greek ports are subject to a reduced €5 cruise passenger fee, reflecting a lower overtourism risk. The new tax is mandatory and applies to all cruise operators and passengers, whether visiting on luxury liners or budget cruise ships.
The Greek government has confirmed that the revenue will be managed by municipal and regional authorities to invest in:
- Upgraded waste management systems
- Sustainable public transport
- Heritage site preservation
- Local employment initiatives
Some cruise lines may choose to absorb the cost into their fare structure, while others may list it as a separate line item. Travelers are advised to check with their cruise operator prior to departure.
How Greece Compares Globally
Greece is not alone in using visitor taxes to combat overtourism. The policy aligns with measures taken in other high-traffic European destinations:
- Venice, Italy introduced a day-tripper tax of €5, which may increase based on visitor demand.
- Barcelona, Spain imposes a tourism tax of up to €4 per night depending on accommodation type.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands added a 1% cruise passenger tax to reduce short-term mass tourism.
The global trend reflects a growing consensus that mass tourism must contribute more equitably to local economies, especially in cities and islands grappling with limited space and environmental fragility.
No Exemptions: What Visitors Need to Know
The €20 cruise tax is universal. There are currently no exemptions for:
- Children or minors
- EU or non-EU citizens
- Cruise staff
- Passengers visiting as part of religious or cultural groups
The only way to avoid the fee is by not disembarking in Santorini or Mykonos, or by choosing alternative destinations within Greece that are not subject to the higher cruise tax.
Tourists looking to explore Greek island life without the extra levy may consider visiting:
- Naxos
- Paros
- Syros
- Tinos
- Leros
- Kalymnos
These islands offer rich cultural experiences, stunning beaches, and authentic cuisine with fewer crowds and no additional cruise tax burden.
When to Visit to Avoid the Tax
Although the tax is in place year-round, Greece’s off-season (October to April) sees significantly fewer cruise arrivals. Some cruise lines even bypass Mykonos and Santorini during the winter months, offering itineraries that may help travelers avoid the tax.
Additionally, fly-in visitors who do not arrive via cruise ship are not subject to the €20 cruise tax, making independent island travel a viable alternative for cost-conscious tourists.
Local Reactions and Long-Term Impact
Local officials and residents have expressed support for the new tax, citing years of unchecked cruise tourism leading to waste management issues, traffic congestion, and rising living costs. With municipal budgets under pressure, the €20 fee is seen as a means to regain control and reinvest in services that benefit both locals and tourists.
Environmental advocacy groups such as WWF Greece have also welcomed the decision, calling it a “much-needed step” toward reducing the carbon and pollution footprint of large-scale cruise operations.
Conclusion
While the new €20 cruise tax may come as a surprise for travelers, it marks a significant shift in Greece’s tourism policy toward sustainability and destination stewardship. For cruise passengers planning a Greek island itinerary in 2025 and beyond, factoring this fee into your budget—and considering off-season travel or lesser-known destinations—could make for a more cost-effective and environmentally responsible journey.
As global destinations increasingly grapple with overtourism, Greece’s move may set a precedent for future tourism management policies in other parts of Europe and the world.
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