Visitor numbers to one of Greece’s most iconic islands – known for its blue-domed buildings and stunning beaches – have taken a sharp slump, in what could be a huge blow for the country’s economy
It seems Brits are finally turning their back on one of the most desirable holiday hotspots in Greece, following years of soaring demand.
Last year, a staggering 3.4 million visitors flocked to the tiny island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. Famed for its blue-domed buildings, syrup-like sunsets, and stunning beaches, the Cyclades isle has become one of the most popular destinations in the world.
But measuring in at just 29.4 square miles, and with a permanent population of only 15,000 – Santorini’s tourist boom has been met with fierce backlash. Images posting on social media reveal just how insufferably busy and crowded the island has gotten in recent years, worsened by the coach loads of tourists herded off giant cruise ships during the peak summer season.
The unsustainable influx has resulted in calls to half construction on the island, with mayor Nikos Zorzos arguing: “We don’t need any more hotels or any more rented rooms. If you destroy the landscape, one as rich as ours, you destroy the very reason people come here in the first place.”
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However, it seems like tourist numbers are sharply falling this year, and not because of anti-tourist sentiment. “In Santorini, available airline seats are down 26 per cent from the beginning of the year to date,” president of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), Yannis Paraschis, said. “But the indications we have in terms of supply of seats are down in the range of seven to eight per cent for the summer, so we expect a result with losses of 10-15 per cent.”
The slump is being blamed on recent earthquake activity, which caused thousands of tremors on the island. Back in February, Greek authorities declared a state of emergency on the island, while almost 15,000 people fled their homes.
As previously reported, a 4.6-magnitude quake struck the sea between Santorini and Amorgos at 8.16pm local time, followed by a 4.2-magnitude tremor roughly two hours later. The shocks come after a powerful 5.2-magnitude earthquake rattled the region earlier that week, the strongest recorded so far.
Speaking to Euronews, president of the Santorini hoteliers Antonis Pagoni warned the falling figures could wreak havoc on Greece’s economy. “Right now we are moving at -25 to -30 per cent,” he said. “It’s a huge reduction in a destination like Santorini that attracts more than three million visitors.”
Antonis argued that holidays to Santorini account for around 10 per cent of Greek tourism – which generated a whopping €21.6 billion (approx £18.39 billion) in revenue last year, a 12.8 per cent increase compared to 2023. “We are not sure if Greece can afford to lose that revenue,” he added.
The FCDO does not currently warn against visiting Greece, but does refer to earthquakes under its ‘Safety and Security’ page’. “The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, experienced increased earthquake activity in early 2025,” it states. “This increase has since subsided and the tourist season is expected to continue as usual.”
The government body advises tourists to familiarise themselves with ‘safety procedures’ in case they are caught up in a tremor. “Follow the advice given by the local authorities [and] call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger,” it stated.
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