Recent media reports of "fees for landing on the Greek islands" have piqued curiosity, particularly among tourists from Turkey. However, when examining the details of this practice, it's clear that this fee doesn't apply to every island or every visitor . Here's some clear information on the matter...

1. Cruise Passengers: Santorini and Mykonos

The most common part of this policy applies to tourists arriving on cruise ships to Santorini and Mykonos . It does not apply to those arriving by ferry or plane.

  • When?

    • July 21 – September 30 : €20 per person

    • October : €12

    • November – March : €4

    • April – May : €12

  • Why is it implemented?
    The large influx of tourists brought on by cruises places a significant strain on the islands' infrastructure and environment. These fees are levied to manage crowds and cover maintenance costs.

2. Daily Visitors: Simi, Ithaca and Paxos

Some smaller Greek islands plan to charge a nominal entrance fee to visitors arriving by daily ferry. These include Symi , Ithaca, and Paxos .

  • How much? €3 – €5 (varies depending on the city council's decision)

  • Who can it be collected from? Anyone entering the island daily , whether local or foreign (including Turkish tourists).

  • For what purpose? To finance infrastructure services such as garbage collection, water supply, and maintenance of historical buildings.

3. Accommodation Taxes: “Climate Resilience Tax”

This is a different application than the landing fee and is valid for the duration of your stay.

  • Coverage: Anyone staying in hotels or short-term rentals.

  • Amount:

    • Up to €8 per night in high season

    • It can go up to €15 extra in luxury hotels

    • Lower rates apply during low season.

  • Purpose: To provide funding for infrastructure investments and resilience projects against climate change.

Important Note: Not Valid on All Greek Islands

News in the press sometimes causes misunderstandings. The money he received was simply:

  • Santorini & Mykonos : For cruise passengers

  • Simi, Ithaca, Paxos : For daily visitors
    valid.
    There is no such application for other popular islands (Rhodes, Kos, Lesbos, Chios, etc.).

In summary

These new fees implemented by Greece actually serve two main objectives:

  1. To regulate the intense flow of tourists (especially cruise tourism)

  2. Generating resources for infrastructure and environmental protection

It is important to check whether the island you are going to has such a fee before going on holiday to avoid any surprises.