26.02.2024
We’ve all seen the massive cruise ships coming in to dock in Santorini. They advertise cheap, affordable rates and access to the most popular Greek islands. But what is the truth behind these massive ships? Is it really a good idea to take a cruise in Greece?
The largest cruise ships in Greece can only go into five ports in Greece that are deep enough - these are Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, and Heraklion in Crete. That’s why the boats advertise being able to go to Mykonos and Santorini - because they literally can’t go anywhere else in the Cycladic islands.
When traveling on a cruise ship, you only have a few hours on land. It’s not typically enough time to get a feel for the island and to meet the locals. A lot of the local charm cannot be experienced in this way.
Because the largest cruise ships can only stop at certain islands, the local environment at these destinations gets impacted because of pollution and the large number of temporary visitors. To give you an idea of the large numbers of visitors, there were almost 686 cruise ships arriving in Santorini last year, and close to one million passengers in total.
In Mykonos, 608 cruise ships visited, counting a grand total of 686,000 passengers. In order, the most popular ports for crusie ship arrivals are Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion, Patmos, and Katakolo.
Last year, 218 cruise ships operated in Europe, and they emitted more than four times more sulfur oxides than all the continent’s cars combined, according to a study by the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E). A 2021 study of one big cruise ship found that the ship produced the same amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) in one day as 30,000 trucks.
Just look at the positive results in Venice, where cruise ships were banned. Because of a 2021 ban on large cruise ships, the city successfully reduced sulphur emissions by 80%.
In Greece, it’s hard to say whether visitors on cruise ships actually impact the local economy. Some cruise ship companies argue that during a seven-day trip, passengers usually spend 760 euros on average. However, Dídac Navarro, an activist from the organization Ecologistas en Acció, argues that a lot of passengers “take a quick stroll then go back to the ship to eat and sleep.”
In a 2019 report, noise from cruise ships was also found to affect fish and the underwater environment. Noise from cruise ships is also a pollutant for humans. Imagine enjoying a perfect sunset on Santorini and hearing the constant horns and motors of incoming ships.
A 2019 report by the UN and the WWF states that “underwater noise hotspots in the Mediterranean overlap with several protected regions and with areas of importance to noise-sensitive marine mammal species.”
In other areas of Europe, cruise ships are already banned for some of these reasons. Amsterdam, for example, has banned cruise ships from the city center. Politicians said the vessels were not in line with the city's sustainable plans. Barcelona is following the same plan, restricting cruise ships for environmental reasons. Venice banned large cruise ships in 2021.
One potential solution for travelers in Greece is to choose a smaller ship. Massive cruise ships like those pictured are not the only way to travel Greece. The Aegean and Ionian seas are full of picturesque islands like Ios, Kos, Corfu, Zakynthos, Folegandros, Skiathos, and Sikinos, which are also visited by smaller boats.
If you still want the experience of traveling on a boat in Greece, you can also travel by ferry through the Greek islands.
19.03.2026
Spanning over 1700 km across the southern peninsula and connecting 12 major hiking routes, the Peloponnese Trails network is set to become the Largest Certified Hiking Trail Network in Greece, weaving together landscapes, heritage, and storytelling in a way that is both immersive and sustainable.
18.03.2026
Basements are a familiar feature of many homes across Greece. Traditionally used for storage, parking, or utility areas, these spaces are increasingly being reimagined—sometimes as guest rooms, independent apartments, or even stylish leisure areas. For anyone exploring property in Greece, it’s useful to understand how basements are defined and when they can legally function as living spaces. The rules are quite specific, but once explained clearly, they follow a logical structure.
16.03.2026
Crete and Syros have been named among the most worthwhile Greek island destinations for 2026, according to the international tourism platform Travel And Tour World, which recently published a list highlighting Greek islands that offer visitors a strong balance between quality and price.
The globally recognized tourism publication, widely read by travel professionals, tourism organizations, and travelers around the world, compiled the ranking based on research and travel data. The list focuses on destinations that combine authentic experiences, cultural richness, and natural beauty with relatively accessible prices.
13.03.2026
Greece is preparing to introduce a sweeping reform in the way property ownership and usage are recorded. Through the creation of the Μητρώο Ιδιοκτησίας και Διαχείρισης Ακινήτων (ΜΙΔΑ) — translated as the Property Ownership and Management Registry — authorities aim to create a comprehensive digital record of every property in the country.
The project is being developed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (Ανεξάρτητη Αρχή Δημοσίων Εσόδων - ΑΑΔΕ), in cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. Its goal is to consolidate fragmented real estate information into a single platform and provide a clearer picture of property ownership and use across the country.
The new registry also featured prominently in discussions at the Property Owners’ Conference organised by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (ΠΟΜΙΔΑ). The event brought together representatives of the government, local authorities, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ), the Hellenic Cadastre, and property owners from across the country.
During the conference, the new registry was presented as one of the most significant reforms in the Greek real estate sector in recent years. Speaking at the event, Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, described the initiative as “the most systematic recording of the use of private real estate ever carried out in the country.” According to the minister, the registry will give the state a comprehensive digital overview of the country’s property stock and the way the real estate market actually functions.
03.03.2026
Kalamata is quietly stepping into a new chapter.
In 2026, Kalamata International Airport “Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos” will connect the Peloponnese to 22 international destinations through 31 direct routes, significantly strengthening the region’s ties with key European markets. For a city long appreciated for its olive groves, relaxed pace, and coastal living, this expanded network signals something bigger: accessibility is no longer a seasonal privilege — it’s becoming a structural advantage.
The announcement follows a record year for inbound traffic. In 2025, the airport welcomed 169,730 international passengers, marking a 25.6 percent increase compared to 2023. This steady rise reflects consistent demand from core European source markets and growing confidence in Kalamata as a destination that delivers both lifestyle and substance.
27.02.2026
Five Greek beaches located in Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes have earned prestigious distinctions at the Tripadvisor 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards, ranking among the best beaches in Europe and the world. Renowned for their crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, and exceptional natural beauty, these destinations continue to strengthen Greece’s global reputation as a premier seaside escape.
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings submitted by travelers worldwide over 12 months. The awards highlight travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and experiences, offering valuable insights for those planning their next getaway.
30.01.2026
Crete has significantly strengthened its position as one of the most attractive real estate destinations in Greece. For the first time, the island’s electricity demand is being fully covered by high-capacity grid interconnections with mainland Greece, combined with locally produced renewable energy sources (RES), as announced in late 2025 by the Greek Independent Electricity Transmission Operator (ADMIE). This energy achievement is a structural upgrade that directly impacts property value, investment security, and long-term growth prospects.
23.01.2026
Messinia, Greece, is attracting growing international attention after being included in The New York Times’ respected list of the 52 Best Places to Go in 2026. Ranked 38th worldwide, Messinia is the only Greek region featured, praised for its natural beauty, cultural depth, and authentic Mediterranean character.
Located in the southwestern Peloponnese, Messinia offers a rare combination of unspoiled coastline, fertile landscapes, and deep historical roots—qualities that increasingly appeal to travellers and long-term visitors seeking a genuine Greek experience.
