Santorini Mykonos Tourism Drop: 2025 Prices & Travel Report
You have likely seen the videos on TikTok or read the headlines in the British press. The usually packed streets of Oia are quiet. The exclusive beach clubs in Mykonos, famous for their waiting lists, have empty sunbeds at midday.
Something major has shifted in the Greek islands this summer.
Data confirms a significant Santorini Mykonos tourism drop in 2025. While the rest of Greece is seeing a tourism boom, these two heavyweights are experiencing a slump that has hoteliers panicking and travelers asking questions.
Is it just the prices? Is it the fear of earthquakes? Or has the “Instagram bubble” finally burst?
Here is everything you need to know about why arrivals are down and why this might actually be the best news for UK holidaymakers looking for a deal.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Big is the Drop?
For years, the narrative was about “overtourism.” We saw photos of cruise passengers shoulder-to-shoulder in narrow alleys. Now, the conversation has flipped to “undertourism” in record time.
Official data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) paints a stark picture. In the second quarter of 2025, accommodation turnover in Santorini fell by 22.1% compared to the previous year. Mykonos followed closely with a similar decline.
This isn’t just a slight dip. It is a market correction.
Air Arrivals vs. Cruise Traffic
The drop is most visible in “high-value” visitors—those who fly in and stay in hotels. According to the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), international air arrivals to Mykonos dropped while other islands like Rhodes saw increases of up to 12%.
Interestingly, cruise ship traffic remains high. This creates a strange dynamic: the streets are busy for four hours a day with day-trippers who spend very little, but the hotels and high-end restaurants are seeing empty tables at night.
Antonis Pagonis, President of the Santorini Hoteliers Association, recently told local media that this is arguably the “worst season ever” for occupancy. When hotel owners start slashing prices in July and August, you know the situation is serious.
The “Rip-Off” Factor: Are Prices to Blame?
Let’s be honest. For the average UK traveler facing a cost-of-living crisis at home, value for money is non-negotiable. Santorini and Mykonos seem to have forgotten this.
Stories of €25 cocktails and €100 minimum spends for a sunbed have done massive damage to the islands’ reputations. The perception is that these destinations are no longer just “expensive”—they are taking advantage of tourists.
Traveler Reality Check:
You do not have to pay £20 for a Spritz. The “rip-off” prices are concentrated in specific “Instagram” zones like the Oia caldera edge or Psarou Beach.
My Pro-Tip: Walk 200 meters away from the view. In local villages like Pyrgos (Santorini) or Ano Mera (Mykonos), you can still find a beer for €5 and a gyro for €4. The value exists, but you have to ignore the tourist traps to find it.
Value for Money Fatigue
Travel trends for 2025 show a shift towards “dupe” destinations. Why pay £500 a night for a standard room in Mykonos when the same budget gets you a luxury suite in Turkey, Albania, or even lesser-known Greek islands? The Santorini Mykonos tourism drop is essentially a consumer strike. Tourists are voting with their wallets.
The “Fear Factor”: Did the 2025 Earthquake Swarm Scare Tourists?
There is another factor that many travel brochures are afraid to mention. Early 2025 saw a swarm of seismic activity around the Thira volcano.
Separating Fact from Panic
Geologists and the Greek government were quick to clarify that this activity was within normal ranges for a dormant volcano. [Official Statement from Greek Institute of Geodynamics]. However, the British tabloids ran with sensational headlines.
For risk-averse families booking their summer holidays back in January and February, this news was enough to make them switch their booking to Corfu or Crete. While the islands remain safe and fully operational, the lingering fear contributed to a softer booking season for 2025.
The “Quiet Luxury” Shift: Where are Brits Going Instead?
The drop in Mykonos and Santorini directly correlates with the rise of their neighbors. British tourists haven’t stopped going to Greece; they have just moved next door.
The Rise of the Cycladic Alternatives
Paros has emerged as the big winner of 2025. It offers the same white-washed architecture and bougainvillea-lined streets as Mykonos but with a more chilled, authentic vibe—and significantly lower prices.
Naxos is also absorbing a huge chunk of the family market. It has better beaches than Santorini and a focus on local food production that appeals to the “slow travel” movement.
| Feature | Mykonos | Paros (The 2025 Favorite) |
| Vibe | High-energy Party | Laid-back Chic |
| Avg. Cocktail | £20+ | £10 – £12 |
| Crowds | Heavy (Cruise ships) | Moderate |
| Best For | Clubbing | Relaxation & Food |
The “Greek Maldives” Competition
Outside of Greece, the seaside village of Ksamil in Albania has marketed itself aggressively to the UK market as the “Greek Maldives.” With pints costing under £2 and pristine beaches, it has siphoned off the younger budget travelers who used to flock to Mykonos hostels.
Silver Lining: Why 2025 Might Be the Best Time to Visit
Here is the controversial take: If you have always wanted to visit these islands, go now.
The Santorini Mykonos tourism drop has created a buyer’s market for the first time in a decade.
The Return of “Old Greece”
With 20% fewer people, the islands are starting to feel like they did fifteen years ago. You can actually walk down the narrow paths of Oia without being shoved. You can get a table at a nice restaurant without a reservation made three months in advance. The “Quiet Luxury” that people travel halfway around the world for is currently available in the Cyclades because the crowds have vanished.
Flash Sales & Hotel Discounts
Hoteliers are desperate to fill rooms. A quick search on booking platforms reveals luxury suites in Imerovigli and Ornos that are currently discounted by up to 50% for last-minute bookings.
If you are a savvy traveler who can book a flight for late September or October, you will experience these world-class destinations at a fraction of their usual cost.
New Rules: The 2025 Cruise Tax & Regulations
The Greek government is aware of the issues and is taking steps to fix the quality of life on the islands. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed strict new measures for 2025 and beyond.
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The Cruise Fee: A new levy of up to €20 is being imposed on cruise ship passengers arriving at Santorini and Mykonos.
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Passenger Caps: The number of cruise passengers allowed to disembark daily is being capped at 8,000.
While these measures are designed to curb overcrowding, they also signal to overnight guests that the government prioritizes their experience over mass tourism.
Is the Party Over?
The party isn’t over, but the venue is under new management.
The Santorini Mykonos tourism drop of 2025 is a necessary reality check. The era of charging exorbitant prices for mediocre service is ending. The islands are being forced to compete for your business again.
For the UK traveler, this is a win. You have the choice to visit alternatives like Paros for a relaxed vibe, or take advantage of the slump to see the icons of the Aegean without the crushing crowds and with a much friendlier price tag.
[Check guide on The Best Greek Islands for Families in 2026]
FAQs
Why is tourism down in Santorini 2025?
The decline is due to a combination of high prices, a resurgence of other cheaper destinations like Paros and Turkey, and negative press regarding overcrowding and early 2025 seismic activity reports.
Is it cheap to go to Mykonos now?
While “cheap” is relative, it is significantly more affordable than in 2023 or 2024. Many hotels are offering last-minute discounts of up to 50% to fill rooms due to the drop in arrivals.
Is Santorini safe to visit after the earthquake scare?
Yes. The seismic activity recorded in early 2025 was a standard geological swarm common to volcanic regions. Geologists and the Greek government have deemed the island safe for travel.
Has the Greek cruise tax started in 2025?
Yes, the Greek government announced a levy of up to €20 for cruise passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season to help manage overcrowding.
What is the best alternative to Santorini for couples?
Paros is the top alternative for 2025. It offers similar cycladic architecture and high-end dining but with fewer crowds and lower prices. Milos is another excellent option for unique landscapes.
How much is a pint of beer in Mykonos 2025?
Prices vary wildly. In exclusive beach clubs, a beer can cost €10-€15. However, in local tavernas and mini-markets away from the main strips, you can find beer for €4-€6.
Are hotels in Santorini offering discounts?
Yes. Due to the 20-30% drop in bookings, many luxury hotels have released lower rates and special offers for the late summer and autumn shoulder seasons.
Is Oia still crowded in 2025?
Oia is still busy during sunset hours due to cruise ship day-trippers, but the crowds are noticeably thinner than in previous years, especially later at night once the ships have departed.
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