Santorini in Greece is suffering the same fate as a lot of top tourist destinations across the globe – with locals growing increasingly irritated over the impact of travellers on their day-to-day lives
Overtourism is now impacting most holiday hotspots, with locals increasingly frustrated by the effect of visitors on their daily lives. In Spain, the problem lies in the soaring house prices and limited availability as landlords opt to rent their properties to hordes of tourists during peak season.
A similar situation is unfolding in Greece, although the locals haven’t been as vocal about it in recent months. Just over six years ago, I jetted off to the stunningly tranquil Santorini for one of my best friend’s weddings.
Having visited other parts of Greece before, I was expecting friendly locals, fresh salads and scorching heat upon arrival. However, I was unprepared for the breath-taking beauty that this island possesses.
With minimal research done prior to my trip, I was initially intrigued by how peaceful the island seemed as I disembarked from the plane and jumped into a taxi to my weekend apartment. What a delightful little treasure, I thought, reports the Express.
Upon arrival at this family-run apartment complex, I received the exceptional hospitality I was anticipating. Hosts who were more than happy to customise the breakfast buffet to our liking, and offer us lifts into town if required.
The first evening came around and being just a stone’s throw from Thira, we decided to take a shuttle bus up to the capital for dinner and some exploration. As we sat at a white-washed bar, overlooking the sea, the sunset took our breath away.
From any vantage point in Thira, the island’s highest point, you could see for miles – it was the most stunningly unexpected sight I’d ever seen. The narrow, cobbled streets were alive with locals and tourists alike – yet there was plenty of space to move around, and not once did I feel like I was jostling through crowds for the best view.
Bars and restaurants hummed with a quiet busyness, and the luxury apartments, each with their own unique charm, featured swimming pools carved into cliffsides – perfect for enjoying those breath-taking sunrises and sunsets.
No matter where we roamed or rested, the island exuded an air of picture-perfect tranquillity and exclusive luxury. I couldn’t wait to return. But six years on, I haven’t – and I’m unsure when I will.
Santorini’s tourist oversaturation
The island’s popularity seems to have skyrocketed in recent years, with Instagram and TikTok influencers descending upon these beautiful locations in search of likes and followers.
Now, the local community has to deal with a staggering 10,000 tourists per day during peak season, a figure that dwarfs the island’s resident population of 15,000. Consequently, resources on the island – including waste management and energy usage – are stretched to the limit.
In 2022, Santorini and its neighbouring island Mykonos set the European record for overtourism, according to data from the German Federal Statistical Office. This in turn, contributed a significant 7.1 per cent to Greece’s economy that year – highlighting the need for a balanced approach to managing these peak tourist numbers. Cruise liners are also contributing to the influx, dropping off hordes of tourists for day trips.
A whopping 90 percent of Santorini’s economy is fuelled by tourism alone. However, travel website Lonely Planet describes the island as a “crowded party”, and it’s easy to see why.
The very spot where I once stood taking sunset pictures is now swarming with people doing the same thing on their smartphones. Back in 2018, I was one of about three people, but if I were to visit in June, July or August now, I’d be one among hundreds.
Will I never return? That seems unlikely. Like many other holidaymakers keen to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, there must be a way to enjoy this island. Perhaps visiting during the off-peak season could be an option.
Travel planning website Moon.com suggests stepping away from Thira and Oia and exploring the other towns Santorini has to offer. “Emborio, Finikia, Colombo Beach, and Pyrgos all showcase the charm of Santorini without the packs of people,” it advises.
Authorities are exploring ways to manage the skyrocketing tourist numbers without negatively impacting the economic boost they provide. According to Al Jazeera, local authorities are setting up their own official tourist groups to identify strategies that will benefit each island and area.
It remains uncertain whether officials in Santorini will decide to impose a tourist tax on hotels, apartments and Airbnbs. However, with Spanish islands and other bustling European destinations beginning to charge day-trippers and overnight guests, it seems likely it won’t be long.