Greece hints at capping cruise guest numbers in holiday hotspots

Prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to introduce a cap, either in the form of restrictions to island berths or through the introduction of slots, from next year – first in Santorini and then in Mykonos.

“I think we’ll do it next year,” he told Bloomberg. “Santorini is the most sensitive [destination], Mykonos will be second.”

Mitsotakis said large cruise vessels do not contribute as much to the tourist economy, and put significant strain on local infrastructure – while also putting off non-cruise guests.

“Santorini in itself is a problem,” he added. “There are people spending a lot of money to be in Santorini and they don’t want the island to be swamped.”