Santorini Faces Tourism Overload Amid Calls for Visitor Caps
- Santorini faces an overwhelming number of tourists arriving by various means, causing concern among locals.
- Residents are now demanding limits on the number of visitors to protect their island's infrastructure and culture.
- The calls for restrictions highlight the ongoing tension between tourism and local living conditions.
As the sun sets over Santorini, tourists flock to the island's cliffs and balconies, eager to capture the picturesque views. American tourist Maria Tavarez, 40, expressed her long-held dream of visiting the island, highlighting the allure of this popular destination. However, the surge in tourism has sparked protests in various locations, including Venice and Barcelona, and Santorini is now grappling with the consequences of excessive visitor numbers. Local authorities are increasingly concerned about the impact of tourism on the island's infrastructure and housing market. Mayor Nikos Zorzos reported that approximately 3.4 million tourists visited Santorini last year, straining resources and driving up housing costs for residents. Zorzos has advocated for a cap on visitors, proposing a reduction in daily cruise ship arrivals from 17,000 to 8,000, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism practices. Georgios Damigos, a hotel owner whose family has operated a small establishment since the 1980s, echoed these sentiments, warning that Santorini's natural beauty could be compromised if visitor numbers continue to rise unchecked. He described the island as a "wonder of nature" that risks becoming a "monster" under the weight of mass tourism. Despite the challenges, some locals see the influx of visitors as a boon for the economy. A local business owner questioned the balance between maintaining tranquility and generating revenue, suggesting that the island's residents must navigate the complexities of tourism while preserving their home.