Travel expert warns popular Greek holiday spot feels more 'like a theme park' due to crowds

Santorini, the jewel of Greece's tourist destinations, is grappling with the challenges of over-tourism. The island's residents and even tourists are feeling the strain from the relentless wave of visitors.

Travel guru and founder of staynewengland.com, Michael Donovan, has voiced concerns that Santorini risks becoming akin to a "theme park" during its busiest months. Speaking to the Express, he said: "Europe is an amazing destination, but overtourism is becoming a real issue in some areas, especially in places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Venice."

Donovan continued: "They're beautiful spots with a lot of history and charm." However, he advised: "But, I'd recommend avoiding Santorini during peak season. The island's infrastructure isn't built to handle the crowds. It can feel more like a theme park than an authentic Greek experience."

Santorini, famed for its iconic white buildings and narrow lanes, welcomed an overwhelming 3.4 million tourists last year, as per official records.

In response to the influx, Mayor Nikos Zorzos has advocated for a limit on the number of tourists this summer, particularly those arriving by cruise ships. He has suggested reducing the daily quota of cruise ship visitors from 17,000 to 8,000 to alleviate the stress on local resources.

The tourism boom has not only led to overcrowding but also inflated property prices, putting housing out of reach for many Santorinians. Mayor Zorzos emphasized: "It is in the best interest of our land for there to be a limit."

Even as they grapple with the influx of visitors, there are local business owners who believe that tourism is vital for their island's economy. Alexandros Pelekanos, the Vice President of the trade association, put it plainly: "Do we want money or not? Do we want to have work and revenues or not? You cannot have your peace and quiet and make money."

But for holidaymakers like American tourist Maria Tavarez, the allure of Santorini remains irresistible. She shared with Reuters her long-held aspiration: "This has been my dream since high school," as she mingled with the crowd to take in the iconic sunset.

However, Donovan advises those seeking a more serene getaway should consider other locales. He proposes: "If you're looking for alternatives that won't have you elbowing your way through tourist hordes, there are still plenty of options."

He adds, "Try heading to the Peloponnese region of Greece. It's just as picturesque but offers a quieter, more authentic vibe."