The once-perfect island of charming towns and immaculate beaches has been destroyed, in the opinion of many of Santorini’s 20,000 permanent residents, by mass tourism.
Travelers from all over the world, equipped with selfie sticks and cell phones, swarm Santorini on dinghies from enormous ocean liners, in coaches that wind up the precipitous hillsides, and atop donkeys that clip-clop down the winding cobblestone streets.
Some people endure the afternoon heat in search of a prime location among the blue-domed churches and white-washed buildings, where they must then wait for hours to witness the famous sunset of the Greek island. Many more follow them as the sun sets, clambering onto balconies or the cliffside with cameras in hand.
“I’ve wanted to do this since high school,” said 40-year-old American visitor Maria Tavarez.
However, heavy tourism has destroyed the once-ideal island of charming towns and immaculate beaches for many of Santorini’s 20,000 permanent residents.
As demonstrations against overtourism spring up in other well-known vacation spots, such as Venice and Barcelona, Santorini stands as one of the clearest illustrations of the devastation that large numbers of tourists can do to a location.
The island’s authorities are advocating for a cap on visitors, joining those of other popular tourist destinations.
According to mayor Nikos Zorzos, 3.4 million international visitors came to the island last year, placing strain on the island’s antiquated infrastructure and driving inhabitants out of the property market.
Zorzos claims he has been pressuring the authorities for years to forbid the use of any additional beds on the island and to limit the number of cruise ship passengers to 8,000 per day, as opposed to the current level of about 17,000 passengers.
He declared, “It is best for our land that there be a limit.”
Even companies that profit from tourism are concerned.
“Our living standards have declined. Georgios Damigos, who oversees a 14-room hotel his parents founded in the 1980s, put it simply: “That’s all there is to it.”
He described Santarini as “a wonder of nature” that runs the risk of becoming “a monster.”
The surge in tourists in Santorini is felt throughout Greece. According to data, national tourist receipts increased by 16% in the first five months of this year. 2024 is expected to surpass the record 33 million arrivals of last year.
More tourists is good news for some people on Santorini.
Vice president of the island’s umbrella trade group Alexandros Pelekanos stated, “When there is planning and infrastructure, everything is possible.”
Are we in the market for money? “Are we interested in earning income and working or not?” he said. “You can’t make money and enjoy your quiet time.”
The visitors joyfully stroll by a sign that says “RESPECT,” seemingly unaffected. Although it’s your vacation, this is our house.
Rita Critovao, a Portuguese visitor, remarked, “It’s quite beautiful, but it’s hard to walk around the narrow streets.” “I would encourage everyone to attend,”
