Brits face £17 tax on two Greek islands as country cracks down on overtourism

Cruise-goers setting sail to the sun-soaked Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos will be hit with a new tax aimed at curbing the flood of tourists.

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced plans to implement the €20 (£17) in an effort to deal with overtourism troubling the regio.

The country generated €20 billion from tourism in 2023, with visitor numbers reaching nearly 31 million. But it has come at a cost to smaller regions, who, like many across Europe, say tourism is making it hard to buy properties.

At a press conference, Mr Mitsotakis clarified: "Greece does not have a structural over-tourism problem... Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with."

He further explained: "Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions."

This move comes amid a wider European backlash against overtourism, with Spain witnessing protests in cities like Barcelona, Tenerife, Majorca, and the Balearic Islands.

Locals are increasingly exasperated by the impact of mass tourism on the cost of housing and rentals. It was reported this month that protesters argued that the spike in prices is linked to a surge in short-term holiday lets and tourist apartments.

Echoing those sentiments, Santorini has been vocal about the need for tourism curbs, with Mr Mitsotakis announcing that proceeds from the newly-hiked taxes will circle back to the communities, boosting infrastructure.

He outlined plans to regulate the influx of ships converging on hotspots simultaneously and underscored the need for environmental protection measures, including addressing water scarcity issues.

The Greek prime minister also wants to increase taxes on short-term rentals and halt issuing new licences in Athens to ease the burden on permanent locals.

Only this April, Venice officials implemented a £4.29 (€5) tourist levy - a move met with immediate street protests, replete with signs voicing opposition.

Critics likened the city to a "theme park" and hoisted banners proclaiming "Veniceland", while others read: "No to the ticket, yes to homes and services for everyone" and "Stop speculating on Venice".