📋 Table of Contents
📌 Read in :
Français (French)
The Cyclades, the undisputed stars of Mediterranean cruises, have just introduced a groundbreaking landing fee. From July 1, 2025, every passenger disembarking from a cruise ship on the two most popular islands will have to pay 20 euros. The goal? To curb the overtourism that is suffocating Santorini and Mykonos, and to finance the renovation of their overcrowded infrastructure.
Adopted through Law 5162/2024, the tax applies during the high season, from June 1st to September 30th. It drops to €12 in October and then to €4 from November to March. Outside of Santorini and Mykonos, the rates are lower: €5, €3, and €1 respectively, depending on the period. The tax, which is exempt from VAT, will be collected upon disembarkation by the shipping agent or the cruise line.
🌊 Water all to yourself. If you want to swim in complete tranquillity, here are the most beautiful hotels with private pools in Mykonos, and the same establishments in Santorini.
Where will the tax money go?
The text allocates the revenue equally: one-third to the host municipality, one-third to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and one-third to the Ministry of Tourism. Athens is counting on 50 million euros annually, primarily earmarked for reinforcing the docks, waste management, and water supply during peak periods.
In 2024, Greek ports recorded 5,490 cruise ship calls and 7.93 million passengers, a 13% increase in one year. Santorini welcomed 1.34 million, and Mykonos 1.29 million. Ships sometimes arrive faster than garbage trucks; the volcanic island has already set a daily limit of 8,000 cruise passengers, often reached as early as 9 a.m.
A response to overtourism, not just another tax
Traffic jams in the narrow streets of Fira, water shortages, spikes in fine particulate pollution: the diagnosis is grim. “This fee should help restore the balance between visitors and accommodation capacity”, argues Eleni Scarvelis, UK director of the Hellenic National Tourism Organization.
Among the residents, opinions are divided: some shopkeepers consider the measure “painless” for a public that willingly spends more in beach clubs, while others fear a diversion of flows towards less taxed islands.
Who will pay, and how?
Technically, the docking fee is already included on the manifests submitted to the port authorities; it can be included in the cruise price or charged separately on the cabin card, like standard port taxes. The local agent remains jointly liable for payment; if payment is not received within 30 days, penalties increased by 100% will be applied.
“Unfair,” reacted Celestyal Cruises, denouncing a measure that targets only ships while air travel brings in far more daily tourists. The director of the port of Mykonos even spoke of “unfair competition” with neighbouring destinations.
Venice charges its day-trippers €5; Barcelona and Amsterdam already tax cruise ships; Lisbon is preparing to do so. By imposing a €20 fee, Athens is sending a strong signal: paradise will no longer be free.
What this changes for travellers
For a couple with two children, disembarking in Santorini will cost an extra €80 in the height of summer. While this remains a modest sum compared to the overall budget, it’s best to plan ahead. Cruise passengers sensitive to crowds might prefer the shoulder season (April-May) when the tax drops to €12 and the island feels a bit quieter. Another option is to explore lesser-known islands—Milos, Syros, Naxos—where the eco-tax is capped at €5.*