Greece moves to restrict 'over-tourism' next summer

Greece welcomed 32.7 million tourists in 2023, 18% more than the year before, while the first quarter of 2024 has seen a nearly 25% rise in visitors

Prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis drew attention to the strain on the country’s most popular spots, including the Cycladic island of Santorini

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the time has come to place restrictions on cruise ships visiting Greece’s most popular islands, the government’s first move to cope with the effects of “over-tourism” in the post-pandemic period.

“I think we’ll do it next year,” Mr Mitsotakis said in an interview, speaking about the decision to cap cruise ship visits. The new rules could see the total number of island berths restricted, or a bidding process introduced for slots, he said.