2Santorini: Crowds and Sustainability in a Small Paradise

Santorini, Greece, with its iconic whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets over the caldera, is one of the most popular destinations in the Greek Islands. Its small size and limited infrastructure, however, have made it particularly vulnerable to the effects of over-tourism. During peak season, the island is flooded with cruise ship passengers, and its narrow streets become packed with tourists, making it difficult for locals to navigate their daily lives.

To address these issues, Santorini’s authorities have taken steps to limit the number of cruise ships that can dock each day, capping the number at 8,000 passengers per day. The island is also promoting alternative travel periods, encouraging tourists to visit during the shoulder seasons to ease the pressure during peak summer months. These measures aim to balance Santorini’s economic reliance on tourism with the need to protect its environment and improve the quality of life for its residents.