- The Santorini cruise season opens with Celestyal Discovery on March 23.
- New operational measures were announced following the Tourism Minister’s visit.
- Cruise schedules and prevention measures ensure seamless operations.
- The tourism industry is optimistic about recovery after recent local challenges due to earthquakes.
The cruise season in Santorini officially begins on Sunday, March 23, as the island anticipates the arrival of 1,265 passengers aboard Celestyal Discovery. Locals will greet visitors early in the morning, marking a fresh chapter for tourism on the renowned island.
Since Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni’s recent visit, plans have been put in place to manage the peak tourist inflow efficiently. Her visit also entrenched Santorini as one of the world’s leading international destinations for unmatched natural beauty and heritage. Previously affected by seismic activity, the island is slowly returning to normal and gearing up for an eventful season.
Measures and Optimism Mark Santorini’s Tourist Readiness
A coordinated ministerial decision established specific rules of operation for managing visitor traffic over the next two months. The provisions, in effect until May 15, aim to support the island’s tourism industry. The initiatives aim to catch up on lost ground after recent declines, with local tourism stakeholders hoping for another lucrative year.
- The cruise ships will arrive at the Athinios port daily between 6 AM and 10 AM.
- Evening docking is scheduled after 6 PM to avoid colliding with ferry timetables.
Santorini will welcome about 50 cruise ships in April, with an average of 2.5 daily arrivals forecast for May. These are meticulously scheduled so that they will not crowd the island, provide a pleasant experience for visitors, and maintain Santorini’s unique character.
The Joint Ministerial Decision on protecting the Santorini Archipelago includes several key measures aimed at ensuring better management during the Santorini cruise season:
- Vehicle traffic control measures have been introduced at the Athinios Port and along the Athinios Bay road network (new Fira port). Passenger vehicles are prioritized for disembarkation, followed by buses and trucks. This approach minimizes road congestion during ship arrivals and departures, aiming to reduce the time vehicles linger on the main route.
- Access and stays in the Old Port of Fira and the adjacent Cable Car area are temporarily restricted. This prohibition covers the port, cable car facilities, and the Fira-Old Port footpath. These steps aim to maintain safety in these popular areas.
- Access to the eastern section of the settlement in the Armeni Bay area of Oia is temporarily halted. Visitors arriving by sea, regardless of the type of vessel, will need approval from the Port Authority to proceed.
- In Ammoudi, all residential uses, hotel operations, short-term or long-term rentals, and the operation of health-related businesses are temporarily suspended. This decision is part of broader efforts to address longstanding challenges tied to visitor management.
These measures aim to balance the booming Santorini cruise season with the island’s preservation needs. Tourists are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead to avoid inconvenience.
Looking Ahead to a Good Tourist Season
Santorini is still one of the most popular vacation spots despite current difficulties. Prominent for its five-star hospitality, distinctive scenery, and rich history, it guarantees lifelong memories for everyone who visits. Island tourism officials are sure that the changes and plans will produce a productive and profitable tourist season, offering visitors from all over the world the possibility to experience the island’s incredible vistas and rich legacy. Santorini’s capacity to recover and develop plans shows its hospitality and preserves its global image.
