Santorini: Mass Tourism Is Getting Bad for Locals

The picturesque Greek island of Santorini has become a magnet for tourists from all over the world. With its stunning sunsets, beautiful whitewashed houses and blue-painted churches, it’s no wonder visitors flock to this enchanting destination. But as the crowds grow, concerns are growing among locals about the impact Mass tourism on their island.

The numbers are staggering: More than 3.4 million tourists visited Santorini last year alone, according to Mayor Nikos Zorzos. The influx has put pressure on the island’s aging infrastructure and driven up housing prices, putting many locals out of the market. The quaint villages and pristine beaches that once defined Santorini are now struggling to cope with the sheer number of visitors.

Protests in various popular holiday destinations

While protests against overtourism have erupted in other popular holiday destinations such as Venice and Barcelona, ​​Santorini is one of the clearest examples of how crowds of visitors can take their toll on a place. The island’s authorities have joined the chorus of voices calling for a visitor cap, amid concerns about the strain tourism is putting on the island’s infrastructure.

Georgios Damigos, who runs a 14-room hotel his parents opened in the 1980s, is among those worried about the impact of mass tourism. “Our standard of living has fallen,” he says. “Santorini is a natural wonder that is in danger of turning into a monster.”

Opinions were divided.

Despite concerns about the pressure tourism is putting on the island, not everyone agrees that a cap on visitor numbers should be put in place. Alexandros Pelecanos, vice president of the island’s trade association, says that with the right planning and infrastructure, Santorini could welcome more visitors without sacrificing its charm.

But for many residents, the benefits of tourism do not outweigh the negative impact it has on their quality of life. As one resident put it: “You can’t have peace and make money.”

Key to the facts

– More than 3.4 million tourists visited Santorini last year.
– Mass tourism has put pressure on the island’s infrastructure and led to higher housing prices.
– Locals are pricing themselves out of the market due to high costs.
– Authorities request a cap on visitors due to pressure on infrastructure