The Greek government is taking decisive action to address the challenges of mass tourism on the iconic island of Santorini. A new legislative proposal aims to suspend all construction licenses in the island's caldera zone, a move that highlights the growing concern over the impact of tourism on this volcanic gem in the Aegean Sea.
Santorini, officially known as Thira, is renowned for its breathtaking caldera views and distinctive white-washed buildings with blue domes. However, the island's popularity has led to significant challenges. With a permanent population of 25,000, Santorini hosts an astounding 3.4 million tourists annually, putting immense pressure on its resources and environment.
The proposed legislation, set to be voted on by the Greek parliament, will target all new building work in the caldera area, including extensions to existing structures and swimming pools. This measure is part of a broader effort to combat overdevelopment and preserve the island's unique character.
The tourism boom in Santorini has been fueled by various factors, including social media exposure and the rise of short-term rental platforms. While this surge has brought economic benefits, it has also led to environmental degradation and water scarcity. The island's semi-arid climate and lack of natural freshwater sources make water management particularly challenging, with Santorini relying heavily on desalination plants.
Nikos Zorzos, the 64-year-old mayor of Santorini, has been a vocal advocate for restricting tourist development since his first term in 2011. He has called for a halt to the construction of all types of hotel units and short-term rentals across the entire island, arguing that "irrational tourist development" threatens to consume Santorini's unique character.
"When the needs keep increasing, new consecutive problems will build up which we won't be able to resolve - the increasing need for water and electricity, for instance, which we have worked hard to get to their present level, and (which) we keep working on."
The mayor's concerns extend beyond construction, as he also proposes capping the number of daily cruise ship visitors from 17,000 to 8,000 to make the island more manageable for both residents and tourists.
Greece's center-right government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is beginning to acknowledge the challenges faced by popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. In June 2024, Mitsotakis indicated that the government was considering implementing caps on cruise ship arrivals to these destinations as early as 2025.
The situation in Santorini reflects a broader trend across Greece, with forecasts suggesting that tourist arrivals in 2024 will surpass the previous year's record of 33 million. This growth presents a complex challenge for Greek authorities, who must balance the economic benefits of tourism with environmental preservation and quality of life for residents.
Tourism contributes significantly to Greece's economy, accounting for approximately one-third of the country's GDP annually. However, the nation also faces the pressing realities of climate change, including longer, hotter summers that exacerbate water shortages and increase the risk of wildfires.
As Greece navigates these challenges, the proposed measures for Santorini may serve as a model for sustainable tourism management. By preserving the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage, authorities hope to ensure that Santorini remains a captivating destination for generations to come, while also maintaining the delicate balance between economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.