Santorini residents outraged over tourist influx, lockdown proposed

Vacation season is in full swing, and many tourists are flocking to Europe’s most popular destinations. One of these hotspots is the island of Santorini. The influx of visitors is so overwhelming that residents struggle to maintain their daily lives. A Greek councilman recently made a surprising suggestion: a lockdown.

As summer continues, so do the vacationers. This inevitably means a rush of people from around the world traveling, sightseeing, and exploring the most popular locations. Undoubtedly, the Greek island of Santorini is one of these destinations, famed for its picturesque blue houses, often highlighted on social media. However, residents are not happy. The sheer volume of tourists overwhelms and exhausts them, disrupting their ability to function normally.

The 2024 holiday season stands out for the way locals are regularly complaining about tourists. In Barcelona, the problems have been well-documented. The visitor numbers are so exorbitant that normal life has become nearly impossible for residents. The influx occupies most hotels, driving housing and rental prices sky-high. Many people are forced to move out because they can no longer afford the rent. This situation has led to ongoing protests in Barcelona, with residents demanding that authorities address the tourism issue.

Santorini faces the same issues as Barcelona. On Tuesday, July 23, a record number of tourists was expected to arrive on the Greek island. Authorities anticipated as many as 17,000 visitors. While this was certainly inconvenient for residents, they likely would have coped somehow. What caused the most uproar was a post by one of the island's councilmen that quickly vanished from social media.

The authorities of Santorini suggested it would be wise for residents on Tuesday, July 23, to limit their movement and, if possible, stay indoors. This recommendation allowed tourists to navigate the island and settle into their hotels without issues before starting their vacations. Residents were outraged, and Councilman Panos Kavalaris's post was promptly removed.

"Urgent announcement. Another difficult day for our city and island, following the arrival of 17,000 guests from cruise ships! Please pay attention and limit movement as much as possible," wrote Panos Kavalaris on social media.

In the end, 11,000 tourists arrived on the island. Though fewer than the controversial councilman had expected, local authorities and residents still felt that the number was excessive. This unusual situation has sparked a public debate about whether restrictions should be imposed on visitors who wish to see the island. Such measures could potentially be implemented in 2025.