Santorini’s lost paradise amidst the tourist invasion | kbnmart

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Just four years after the Covid-19 pandemic left the streets nearly empty and desperate calls for tourists soaring, Santorini is now facing a massive influx of visitors. The picturesque island, home to around 16,000 people, expects to welcome 3.4 million tourists in 2024. The surge is straining the island’s infrastructure and driving up rents, making life increasingly difficult for locals.

Santorini is a top tourist destination due to its stunning sunsets, weddings, honeymoons and its social media appeal, especially on Instagram and TikTok. However, the influx of tourists, especially from cruise ships, has overwhelmed the popular cliffside spots of Fira and Oia.

Increase in the number of tourists

CNN reported that more than 17,000 people disembarked from cruise ships on a recent day, adding to the crowds that were already crowding the island. The phenomenon has earned Santorini the nickname “Instagram Island,” with its narrow streets and cliffside balconies packed with visitors looking for the perfect sunset selfie.

Although the island is chaotic during the day, it transforms dramatically at night. In a recent report, the report noted that “the island turns from Times Square to a ghost town when evening falls.”

Crowd management efforts

Mayor Nikos Zorzos is seeking to impose a daily cap on cruise ship visitors of 8,000 by 2025. The initiative is in line with Prime Minister Kyriakos MitsotakisIt highlighted its previous commitment to managing tourist numbers to protect the island’s infrastructure and the quality of life of residents.

While tourism is a key part of Greece’s economy, generating over €20 billion in 2023, Santorini residents are becoming increasingly vocal about the need for sustainable tourism practices. The island’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the demands of the peak tourist season, prompting calls for better management and support.

Local Perspectives

Gianluca Chimenti, a local tour operator and Santorini resident for 18 years, highlighted the disparity between peak tourist times and the rest of the year. He noted that while social media portrays a picture of constant crowding, the reality is that the island experiences significant quiet periods outside of peak season.

“The problem is that social media shows something completely different from reality,” Chimenti said, suggesting that better distributing tourists around the island and at different times would relieve some of the pressure on popular places.

Industry Response

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has acknowledged this issue and is working with Greek authorities to improve port infrastructure and manage visitor numbers. There are also efforts to diversify cruise routes to reduce pressure on Santorini and other popular destinations.

Tourist Experiences

Despite the crowds, tourists like Katie Haslam from England still find ways to enjoy the beauty of Santorini. She and her husband Rob chose to stay in a quieter village and avoid the busier areas, and found the experience “amazing, beautiful and peaceful.”

However, the challenges of managing mass tourism remain. As visitors continue to flock to Santorini to enjoy its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, the island must strike a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving its charm for future generations.