Once upon a time in the sun-kissed Aegean, the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini gleamed like gems on the sea. They were famous not only for their breathtaking landscapes and turquoise waters but also for the throngs of tourists who disembarked from massive cruise ships every year to explore their winding streets and iconic whitewashed buildings. These islands, however, faced a dilemma—the crowds had grown so large that their charm was beginning to fade under the sheer weight of tourism.
Recognizing this, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his advisors came up with a plan. Starting in 2025, every passenger stepping off a cruise ship onto these popular islands would be charged a €20 levy. Although the move was marketed as a measure to support the upkeep of these idyllic places, the intent ran deeper. The tax was not just about generating funds for island infrastructure—it was designed to subtly raise the bar for visitors, selecting for those who wouldn’t think twice about a higher price.
When the Union of Shipowners and Cruise Lines caught wind of this, they were understandably concerned. “The timing couldn’t be worse,” they argued to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy. Bookings for the 2025 season were already underway, and cruise companies would now have to shoulder the extra cost, unable to pass it directly to customers.
Despite the pushback, the Greek government stood firm. “This is not merely about revenue,” officials explained. “We want to protect our islands’ unique beauty and cultural heritage. A small fee may help us find a balance, allowing those who truly value the experience to enjoy it without the intense overcrowding of recent years.”
The cruise industry, fearful of a potential drop in demand, cautioned that travelers might simply opt for other destinations in the Mediterranean, where they could avoid extra fees. Nevertheless, the Greek government had set its course. They hoped that, over time, the tax would bring about a new era of tourism—one that appreciated quality over quantity, allowing the islands to breathe again and reclaim some of their lost tranquility.
Thus, in the years that followed, the sparkling shores of Mykonos and Santorini became a little quieter, the crowds a little thinner, and the experience all the richer for those who were willing to pay the price for paradise.
All names of people and organizations appearing in this story are pseudonyms.
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