Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, is implementing emergency measures, including restrictions on certain areas, in response to ongoing seismic activity.
The Greek government has declared a two-month state of emergency on the island, with travel restrictions, accommodation bans, and controlled access to key areas.
The decision follows two months of continuous earthquakes that have shaken the island, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. With 12,000 out of 15,000 locals having already left, officials are now prioritizing public safety and infrastructure protection, leading to an unprecedented shutdown of Santorini’s tourism sector.
Restricted Access to Santorini’s Key Areas
As part of the emergency measures, the Greek government has imposed strict access rules for both residents and visitors:
- Limited access to certain areas in Santorini and Thira to reduce risks.
- Controlled transportation to Athinios and Fira ports to prevent congestion.
- Suspension of cable car operations and closure of popular walking trails, including the Ammoudi-Akrotiri Agios Nikolaos and Oia-Ammoudi paths.
Authorities have imposed a temporary suspension of accommodations, including hotels and short-term rentals, in restricted areas of Santorini.
Cruise Ship Cancellations and Maritime Restrictions
The state of emergency has also severely impacted maritime travel, as all boats and floating vessels must obtain special permission from the Thira Port Authority before setting sail.
Additionally, the 900 cruise ships scheduled to visit Santorini between now and June have been canceled, dealing a major blow to the island’s tourism-dependent economy. With the cruise industry playing a crucial role in Santorini’s visitor numbers, these cancellations are expected to significantly reduce tourist arrivals and local business revenues.
What’s Next for Santorini and Greek Tourism?
Santorini’s temporary closure raises concerns about its long-term impact on Greece’s tourism sector. The island, famous for its white-washed buildings, breathtaking caldera views, and luxury resorts, is one of the most visited destinations in the country. The two-month tourism ban could disrupt travel plans for thousands of tourists who had planned their spring and early summer vacations in Santorini.
While Greek officials work to assess the risks and stabilize the situation, the tourism industry is already feeling the ripple effects. Neighboring islands, as well as mainland Greece, may experience an influx of redirected travelers, but Santorini’s absence as a key destination could create a short-term dip in overall visitor numbers.
At the same time, competing destinations, particularly Turkey, are seeing an increase in demand. With Turkey’s all-inclusive resorts and competitive pricing, some travelers have canceled their Greek holiday plans in favor of Turkish coastal cities such as Antalya and Bodrum. Tourism industry leaders anticipate that Turkey’s strong early booking numbers could rise even further, as travelers seek alternative summer destinations.
While no official reopening date has been confirmed for Santorini, local officials are closely monitoring seismic activity and structural assessments to determine when it will be safe to welcome visitors back. For now, travelers are advised to consider alternative Greek destinations until Santorini fully reopens.
Do you think Santorini’s tourism ban will affect travel to Greece this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments!
