Starting July 1, 2025, Greece will implement a new tax targeting cruise passengers visiting its most famous islands. This measure is part of a broader tourism policy reform aimed at regulating the increasing number of visitors and preserving the natural and cultural integrity of destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, which each host over a million cruise tourists annually.
The new tax, automatically included in cruise fares, will be collected by cruise lines and transferred directly to the Greek government. The fee varies depending on the destination, the season, and visitor traffic. In peak summer months (June through September), cruise passengers calling at Santorini or Mykonos will pay up to €20 per person, per port. In the shoulder months of April, May, and October, the tax drops to €12, while winter calls (November to March) incur a modest €4 fee.
Though cruise ships aren’t solely responsible for overtourism, they symbolize high-volume summer crowds. In 2023, Santorini received 800 cruise ships and 1.3 million passengers – almost 40% of its total tourist arrivals. On busy days, up to seven ships can dock simultaneously, flooding the narrow streets of Fira and Oia. Mykonos faced similar numbers, with 749 ship calls in 2023 and 1.2 million cruise passengers. For 2025, projections rise to 900 port calls and 1.5 million visitors.
In contrast, less-visited Greek ports will see lower fees. During the low season, the tax is just €1, increasing to €3 during the shoulder seasons and peaking at €5 per person in summer. This tiered system is designed to encourage travel outside of peak periods and promote lesser-known but equally rich destinations.
Shared goals: sustainability and livability
Greece has been preparing this measure since 2023, but seismic activity around Santorini and a temporary pause in cruise visits delayed its introduction. This extra time allowed for refinement of the policy and a streamlined collection process. By delegating collection to cruise operators, Greece avoids the need for paper forms or on-site payments.
The government aims to achieve three main objectives with the new tax:
- Reduce pressure on infrastructure: Santorini’s local services are not built to handle 17,000 cruise passengers a day.
- Manage overtourism: Cruise ships deliver thousands of tourists at once, creating overcrowding at archaeological sites and causing frustration among locals.
- Address climate challenges: Tourism must align with climate action in an era of extreme heat, drought, and rising sea levels.
Where the money goes
The tax is expected to generate between €50 million and €100 million annually. These funds will be divided across three key areas:
- Local governments will receive one-third to improve infrastructure, ensure water supply, and manage tourist flows.
- Port upgrades and expansions will receive another third.
- The Ministry of Tourism will use the remainder to support sustainable innovation, promote off-the-beaten-path destinations, and distribute visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year.
Additional regulations are also under discussion. Santorini, for example, may soon cap daily cruise arrivals at 8,000 passengers and introduce a digital berthing system that assigns docking slots based on ship size, stay duration, and environmental footprint.
Global context and reactions
Greece’s move mirrors a growing international trend. Cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik have already implemented similar visitor taxes. Bruges recently announced a €4 per person tax for day visitors and cruise passengers starting in 2027. In Spain, the Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Ibiza) are raising their “sustainable tourism tax” from €2 to €6 per day in peak season. Outside Europe, Alaska, the Maldives, and Mexico also use visitor levies to manage tourism’s environmental and social impact.
Reactions to the Greek cruise tax are mixed. Environmental groups, local governments, and residents generally support the initiative, seeing it as vital for protecting fragile destinations. Many in the European travel industry view Greece’s approach as a model for long-term reform. However, cruise lines and some travel agencies have expressed concern, warning that higher costs may deter tourists and impact cruise pricing in the region. They are urging close collaboration between government and industry stakeholders to minimize disruption.
What this means for cruise passengers
For most travelers, the change will go unnoticed, as the tax is seamlessly added to cruise fares. However, price-conscious passengers may feel the difference – especially if their itinerary includes Santorini or Mykonos. Booking outside peak season, on the other hand, could save money and offer a more relaxed travel experience.
And that’s exactly what Greece hopes to achieve: fewer crowds during summer and a renewed interest in quieter, more authentic regions. This policy reflects a growing awareness that travel comes with responsibility. Tourism has a cost – especially in places vulnerable to overuse. By contributing a small fee, cruise passengers can help protect heritage sites, support local communities, and invest in cleaner, better-managed destinations.
Charting a sustainable course
Greece’s new cruise tax is more than just a revenue measure – it’s a shift toward a more thoughtful tourism model. Instead of discouraging visitors, the goal is to balance demand, enhance sustainability, and invest in the future. If successful, Greece may set the standard for other Mediterranean nations seeking a more harmonious relationship between tourism, economy, and environment.
For cruise travelers, this means a slightly higher cost – but also a more meaningful journey. Every euro spent contributes not just to unforgettable experiences, but also to a better future for the islands they visit.