Santorini, famed for its sweeping views and lively atmosphere, is facing a sharp tourism slump after a spate of earthquakes in early 2025 raised safety worries among potential travelers.

 

British holidaymakers have especially reduced their visits, impacting a group that long fueled the island’s summer bustle.

 

The recent tremors, peaking at magnitude 5.3, led to a temporary evacuation of thousands, light building damage, and a lingering sense of unease, even with no casualties reported.

 

With visitor arrivals reportedly down 20–25%, Santorini’s famed streets and local businesses appear much quieter than usual, straining the island’s tourism-driven economy.

 

Even cruise ships are rerouting, as highlighted by the VIKING STAR’s last-minute switch to Crete.

 

Greek officials, drawing lessons from Rhodes’ wildfire recovery, have unveiled a €1 million marketing campaign to restore traveler confidence and highlight Santorini’s enduring appeal.

 

Nevertheless, the outlook remains uncertain as summer unfolds.

Rhodes faces mounting tension as unauthorized business expansions threaten public beach access, despite strict Greek regulations.

 

Many establishments have built unlicensed structures and extended sunbed zones into the sea, prompting anger among locals and tourists alike.

 

Greek authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts, deploying drones and launching the MyCoast app to empower citizens to report violations directly.

 

Yet, incidents at Elli Beach and Anthony Quinn Beach—where legal boundaries have been grossly exceeded—highlight ongoing challenges.

 

These expansions threaten constitutional rights and harm compliant operators, while damaging fragile ecosystems through illegal construction and seaside sunbeds.

 

Regulations mandate that 70% of beaches must be sunbed-free (85% in conservation zones), with hefty fines up to €60,000 for violators.

 

With enforcement still inconsistent, Rhodes exemplifies the struggle for sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and fair public access along Greece’s prized coastlines.