Santorini panic as local on 'overcrowded' Greek island claims it's actually 'empty'
The island boasts quaint streets and balconies which have led to Santorini being dubbed 'Instagram island' - but a local says that's not the full picture.
One of Greece's most photographed islands, renowned for its stunning beauty and spectacular sunsets, is facing a business crisis, according to a local tour operator.
Greece, with its 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of which are inhabited, is famous for its picturesque landscapes.
These islands, boasting beautiful beaches, hidden coves and caves, significant archaeological sites, and breathtaking landscapes, attract millions of tourists annually.
Santorini, which is frequently captured in photographs and a favourite among holidaymakers since the 1970s, has been no exception this year.
However, despite the influx of visitors, a major issue has reportedly arisen on the volcanic island that has left businesses grappling with undercapacity.
Gianluca Chimenti, a local tour operator who has resided on the island for 18 years, claims that while the streets are bustling during the day, they become eerily quiet at night.
Greece, like many holiday hotspots, is struggling with the challenge of balancing the economic necessity of tourism with maintaining a good quality of life for its residents.
During peak season, as many as 17,000 cruise ship passengers descend on the island daily, flocking to the capital Fira and the town of Oia, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets.
The stunning vistas and picturesque streets have earned Santorini the nickname 'Instagram Island', attracting hordes of tourists.
However, the evenings see the cobbled streets and balconies uncomfortably crammed with visitors.
Yet, after sunset, when they return to their ships and set sail for their next destination, the island becomes significantly quieter, according to Mr Chimenti.
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Despite social media being awash with images of severe overcrowding on the island, Chimenti told CNN that this does not accurately reflect the situation.
Mr Chimenti said: "The problem is that social media are showing something completely different from what is the reality.
"The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it's the worst season ever."
He claimed that "the hotels right now are more or less under 30 percent of a normal season," and that other businesses, such as restaurants, on the island are also suffering.
Mr Chimenti believes that some who may want to visit out of season or stay on the island for a holiday to experience its full beauty are being put off by its overcrowded reputation. He said: "Overtourism doesn't exist. What I see is a lack of structures"
The idyllic island of Santorini could be poised to limit the influx of day-trippers, as Mayor Nikos Zorzos has suggested a daily cap of 8,000 cruise ship visitors.
Backed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, this initiative is set to kick in next year. But the tour operator suggested a more strategic approach to dispersing holidaymakers across the island's attractions.
He added: "Santorini has one of the most important archaeological sites right now in Europe. Why are cruise ships not organising tours to the archaeological sites?
"If you split the people in three parts of the island, so at different times they are doing multiple things, they have time to enjoy and you will never have crowds in any part of the island."
