In a significant move to manage its soaring tourism numbers and bolster sustainability efforts, Greece is set to introduce a new cruise passenger tax, effective July 1, 2025, on Mykonos and Santorini, the most popular Aegean islands.
The new tax will be applied to cruise tourists of specific Greek islands, with the varying rates aimed at addressing the unique challenges of the different locations and seasons. These are as follows:
- Santorini and Mykonos: During the high season (June 1 – September 30), a €20 per passenger tax will be levied.
- Other Greek ports:
Low season (October 1 to May 31): €1 per passenger
Shoulder season (April, May, October): €3 per passenger
Peak season (June 1 to September 30): €5 per passenger
The revenue generated from this tax will support vital local infrastructure, mitigate the environmental impact of tourism, and contribute to efforts aimed at preserving the unique beauty and heritage of the islands.
Mykonos authorities warn against cruise tax
Mykonos is bracing for a record-breaking tourism season in 2025, with cruise ship arrivals projected to hit 900 and overall tourist numbers expected to reach 1.5 million.
However, Athanasios Kousathanas-Megas, President of the Mykonos Port Fund, in an interview with Greek Reporter, warns that a newly implemented €20 cruise ship tax threatens the island’s economic gains and competitive edge.
The island, a perennial favorite for cruise tourism, has seen a significant increase in projected arrivals, up from 768 cruise ships and 1.2 million tourists in 2024. To manage this surge, the Port Fund has introduced a new “Berth Location System.”
“A priority for us is the rational approach to the ports,” explained Kousathanas-Megas, “and for this reason, we have launched the Berth Location System, a platform that ensures the normal distribution of ports every day.” This system aims to prevent overcrowding, particularly in Mykonos Town, allowing the port to safely handle up to five or six cruise ships daily.
Despite these efforts to enhance the visitor experience and manage capacity, a looming challenge is the new cruise tax, effective July 1st, which levies €20 (about $23) per passenger for Mykonos and Santorini.
This figure contrasts sharply with the €5 (around $6) charged at other Greek destinations. Kousathanas-Megas strongly condemns the new levy: “Instead of winning back a public goal, which we know what it offers to the country’s economy, it punishes it,” he tells Greek Reporter.
He adds, “Unfortunately, the port tax, compared to all the entries that the country will make, is useless. This deadline should be postponed, in our opinion, because it is a curse for the island.”
Cruise tax to impact Mykonos’ revenues
The Port Fund President fears the higher tax will severely impact Mykonos’ financial standing, citing an immediate 50 percent decrease in port revenues and a projected loss of for the is ($2.3 million) land, funds that would otherwise be allocated to planned development projects.
He predicts long-term repercussions: “I believe that this price difference will create problems in choosing a cruise ship from 2026, which will result in a decrease in cruise ship prices. I believe that this is, if we can say so, an unchanging competition.”
Amidst these concerns, Kousathanas-Megas offered an unexpected appeal, noting that Mykonos Town is currently offering more affordable prices for accommodation. “This year, for the first time, Mykonos town has very good prices,” he says, “not only for the administration, but also for the hotels. So I believe that young people should return to the island, because the prices are very affordable.”
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