Santorini is fully operational and remains a safe, welcoming destination for visitors, according to Thira Mayor Nikos Zorzos.
Speaking on Monday, the mayor emphasized that the island has returned to normal, with no damage recorded following the seismic activity observed in February.
One of Greece’s most iconic destinations, Santorini is actively preparing for the tourism season. The first cruise ships have already docked at the port of Athinios, and the first charter flights have landed, bringing the season’s earliest visitors to the island.
Local tourism professionals are finalizing preparations, after a temporary halt in activity during the recent earthquakes. In parallel, the Municipality of Thira has launched a campaign to promote the destination. Under the banner “Santorini 2025: Year of Promoting and Supporting Authenticity,” the initiative aims to highlight the island’s unique character through its cultural heritage, natural environment, and commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Speaking to media, Mayor Zorzos confirmed that seismic activity has subsided and that expert assessments indicate no risk of significant future tremors. “Santorini has returned to its pre-earthquake state with no structural damage. The island is organizing itself to welcome visitors,” he said.
Bookings and visitor trends
The mayor acknowledged that bookings experienced a short-term slowdown following the seismic activity. “It’s natural to see a temporary decline, and for Easter we’re seeing a 30 percent drop compared to last year. However, the season has begun and arrivals are gradually increasing,” he noted.
Safety measures
Until May 15, safety measures remain in place in certain areas, including the Old Port of Fira, the eastern part of the settlement of Armeni Oia and the Ammoudi Settlement. The South Aegean Region has initiated landslide risk mitigation projects based on studies from the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization. These works are scheduled for completion within six weeks.
Cruise passengers will disembark at Athinios port. Businesses located in affected areas – particularly restaurants and tourist shops in Ammoudi – have requested compensation for the operational pause due to the safety measures.
Mayor Zorzos also stressed the need to move from precaution to action: “Preventive restrictions cannot remain indefinitely. Works must be completed so that the cable car resumes and the old port becomes active again to ease pressure on Athinios.”
Cruise capacity and visitor fee
Reinstating a policy from his earlier term, Zorzos confirmed that cruise ship slot allocation is being enforced to prevent overcrowding. Additionally, from June 1, a 20-euro cruise visitor fee will be introduced. “We’re not opposed to the fee, provided a significant portion supports local infrastructure,” the mayor said.
New tourism campaign
The municipality on Monday launched a new tourism campaign that will promote local culture, gastronomy, and authentic experiences. It also includes educational activities, sustainability initiatives, and collaboration with schools and local associations to safeguard Santorini’s identity while supporting responsible tourism growth.
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