By Stuart Kerr, Travel Correspondent
Published: 13/08/2025 | Updated: 13/08/2025
Contact: editor@holidaymate.com | About the Author
A Hot Topic for Mediterranean Tourism
Greece has introduced a new seasonal cruise passenger fee aimed at tackling overtourism in some of its most beloved islands. The move follows years of crowding in ports like Santorini and Mykonos, where narrow streets and limited infrastructure have struggled under the weight of thousands of daily visitors. Now, with fees of up to €20 per passenger during peak months, Greece is signalling a shift towards more sustainable tourism. According to Condé Nast Traveler, the fees will be reinvested into infrastructure improvements to better handle high visitor volumes.
Breaking Down the Costs
The fee structure is seasonal: €20 during high season (July and August) for Santorini and Mykonos, €12 in the shoulder months, and just €4 in winter. Other Greek islands will charge €5 year-round. As Euronews notes, the charges are designed to reflect both seasonal demand and each island’s carrying capacity. The idea is to encourage travellers to visit outside the busiest months and distribute cruise tourism more evenly across the calendar.
The Rationale Behind the Fee
For years, cruise tourism in Greece has been both a blessing and a challenge. While it brings in millions of euros in revenue, it also concentrates thousands of visitors into small areas for short periods, often overwhelming local services. Reuters reports that this new fee is part of a broader government initiative to balance economic benefits with community well-being. The Greek Ministry of Tourism expects the levy to generate up to €50 million annually, which will be used for port upgrades, environmental protection, and crowd-control measures.
Who Will Pay and How
Every cruise passenger disembarking at a Greek port will pay the fee, which will be collected by cruise lines and included in ticket prices. This ensures visitors are not faced with additional on-the-day charges and keeps the process smooth for both passengers and port authorities. CruiseMapper confirms that enforcement will be handled through port management systems to prevent any ships from bypassing the new rule.
Impact on Cruise Itineraries
Some industry analysts suggest that the new charges may lead to changes in cruise itineraries. Lines could choose to reduce calls at high-fee destinations during peak season, replacing them with less expensive ports or adjusting visit times to shoulder months. This could benefit lesser-known islands, spreading tourism income more widely and alleviating congestion in hotspots. For travellers seeking quieter, more authentic experiences, this could be an unexpected silver lining.
Sustainable Travel Considerations
For those concerned about the environmental footprint of their holiday, this policy aligns with broader moves towards responsible tourism. As highlighted in our Is Europe Full? Tourism Surge Sparks Debate feature, overtourism is becoming a pressing issue in many European destinations. By charging higher fees at the busiest times, Greece is effectively nudging travellers towards more sustainable travel choices.
Alternatives for Savvy Travellers
If you’re planning a Greek cruise and want to avoid the highest fees, consider booking outside the July–August window or opting for routes that focus on the country’s lesser-visited gems. Our Hidden Gems of Amalfi Coast: How to Explore Without the Crowds piece offers inspiration for quieter itineraries, while Travel Trends 2025: What’s Hot and What’s Not showcases broader shifts in holiday planning.
Looking Ahead
As climate change and global tourism trends evolve, more countries may follow Greece’s lead in using targeted visitor levies to manage flows and protect destinations. Whether you see it as a deterrent or an investment in a better holiday experience, this new fee underscores the importance of planning ahead and travelling mindfully.
About the Author
Stuart Kerr writes about travel, tourism, and mobility across Europe for Holidaymate.com. You can reach him at editor@holidaymate.com and read more of his work here.
