Greece, one of the Mediterranean’s most popular tourist destinations, witnessed a series of alarming incidents in July and August 2025, as anti-Israel protests targeted Israeli cruise passengers. The unrest, centered on the Crown Iris cruise ship operated by Mano Maritime, has raised growing concerns about tourist safety and the reputation of Greek islands as safe and welcoming travel destinations.
Crete: Confrontation at the Port
In late August, passengers attempting to disembark at the port of Agios Nikolaos in Crete encountered a hostile scene. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, waving flags and chanting slogans, gathered at the docks. Tensions escalated quickly, with protesters throwing flares and attempting to block access to the port. Greek riot police intervened swiftly, using pepper spray to disperse the crowd and detaining four individuals involved in the violence.
Despite the chaos, passengers were able to safely leave the ship and continue their tours after authorities secured the area. However, the event left many shaken and highlighted the heightened risks that Israeli tourists are facing across Greece this summer.
Rhodes: Clashes Amid Disembarkation
Just days earlier, similar protests erupted on the island of Rhodes. Demonstrators gathered at the port as over 600 passengers attempted to disembark the Crown Iris. Riot police quickly formed a protective barrier, ensuring the tourists could exit safely and continue their excursions. Although the protests were disruptive, local residents and business owners emphasized that tourism is a lifeline for Rhodes and voiced strong opposition to the aggressive actions of the demonstrators.
Syros: Cruise Ship Diverted
The most serious incident occurred in Syros on July 22. More than 150 demonstrators blocked the port, waving banners and shouting slogans to prevent Israeli tourists from leaving the ship. The standoff, which lasted for hours, forced the cruise line to divert the ship to Limassol, Cyprus. Although no injuries were reported, the incident triggered diplomatic discussions between Israeli and Greek officials, as both governments worked to de-escalate tensions and safeguard tourists in the region.
Broader Context and Government Response
These demonstrations are part of a broader wave of anti-Israel protests across Greece, fueled by ongoing tensions related to the war in Gaza. Similar rallies have taken place in Athens, Thessaloniki, and the port of Piraeus, where protesters have attempted to confront Israeli tourists arriving on international cruise liners.
Greek officials have strongly condemned the disruptions and reiterated the country’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors. The Minister of Citizen Protection announced that legal action would be pursued under anti-racism statutes against anyone found obstructing or intimidating tourists. In addition, government officials stressed that Greece remains a welcoming destination for travelers from around the world and that acts of violence or intimidation would not be tolerated.
Local communities have also voiced their disapproval of the unrest. In Syros, residents expressed outrage that their island had been associated with hostility and made clear that the majority of locals support tourism and oppose antisemitism. Similar sentiments have been echoed in Rhodes and Crete, where tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy.
Impact on Tourism
For Israeli travelers, these incidents have raised questions about personal safety when visiting Greece. Although such protests are not widespread across all tourist areas, their frequency and intensity in recent months have been a cause for concern. Tour operators have begun working closely with Greek authorities to monitor planned protests and adjust itineraries if necessary.
The Greek government, aware of the potential economic and reputational damage, has prioritized a strong security presence at ports of call and tourist hotspots. By acting swiftly during these incidents—detaining protesters, securing access points, and in some cases rerouting vessels—authorities have sought to maintain Greece’s reputation as a safe and hospitable destination.
Looking Ahead
As the summer travel season continues, Greece faces the challenge of balancing political sensitivities with its thriving tourism industry. The government’s immediate response to the incidents demonstrates a commitment to protecting visitors, but further diplomatic cooperation between Greece and Israel will likely be necessary to prevent future disruptions.
Experts suggest that cruise operators may also need to enhance coordination with port authorities and provide real-time updates to passengers to minimize risks. Meanwhile, community leaders across the islands are emphasizing their desire to ensure that tourists—regardless of nationality—feel safe and welcomed during their visits.
Final Thoughts
The events of summer 2025 have underscored the impact that global political tensions can have on local tourism industries. While Greece remains one of the Mediterranean’s top destinations, the recent protests highlight the importance of vigilance and swift action to protect travelers.
For now, Greece continues to work toward maintaining its image as a peaceful and welcoming destination. With strong cooperation between local authorities, cruise operators, and diplomatic channels, the hope is that incidents like those in Crete, Rhodes, and Syros will become rare exceptions rather than recurring challenges for the country’s booming tourism sector.
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