Santorini Stumbles as Lesser-Known Greek Islands Rise and Demand Greater Control

The summer tourism landscape in Greece is showing signs of a notable shift, as interest in some of the country’s most iconic destinations wanes while lesser-known islands gain ground.

Foreign bookings for passenger ships from Piraeus to Santorini have declined by 7% this year. Mykonos, another mainstay of Greek tourism, has seen bookings hold steady, though this comes on the heels of two consecutive years of decline. Both islands have come under increasing scrutiny from travelers wary of overcrowding, soaring prices, and—in Santorini’s case—a series of early-year earthquakes that have raised further concerns.

Conversely, destinations such as Hydra and Naxos are seeing a surge in popularity, suggesting that visitors may be gravitating toward islands perceived as less congested and more affordable.

At the same time, local officials on several smaller islands are seeking to address the challenges posed by rising visitor numbers. The mayor of Symi, located in the Aegean near the Turkish coast, has formally requested permission from the government to impose a tourist fee on daily visitors. His rationale centers on the mounting pressure on local infrastructure and essential services.

The mayors of Ithaki and Paxos—both Ionian islands—have indicated they are prepared to follow suit, pending the outcome of Symi’s request. Each of these islands maintains a modest population of between 2,500 and 3,000, but faces an overwhelming influx during peak season. Paxos alone receives approximately 240,000 visitors in July and August, many of them day-trippers—equivalent to over 90 times the number of its year-round residents.

Local leaders cite overstretched services, from garbage collection to the maintenance of historical monuments, as critical factors in their push for new regulatory measures. The developments reflect a growing concern among Greece’s island communities: how to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of local life and infrastructure integrity.