A new cruise tax will be implemented in Greece starting July 1, 2024, aimed at managing the increasing number of visitors to popular destinations. This initiative affects cities like Mykonos and Santorini, where the tax will be set at 20 euros per passenger during the peak summer season, from July 1 to September 30.
As the season transitions into October, the tax will decrease to 12 euros. From November through March, a winter rate of just 4 euros will apply. The tax reverts to 12 euros in the months leading up to summer, only to peak again at 20 euros for the summer.
In addition, other cruise destinations in Greece will implement their own tax rates. These locations will charge 5 euros during the peak summer, 3 euros in the spring and fall, and a minimal 1 euro during the winter months.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced this tax in September 2023, attributing the need for it to overtourism affecting certain areas. According to a recent Reuters report, Mitsotakis stated, "Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos, and this is why we are proceeding with interventions."
The introduction of this tax underscores Greece’s commitment to preserving its most visited islands. By regulating the flow of tourists, the government aims to alleviate the strain on local infrastructures and ecosystems, ultimately striving for a more sustainable tourism model.
For more detailed information on cruise tourism and its implications in Greece, visit Travel Weekly and Afar.
