Greece Adopts Higher Tourist Taxes in 2025, Joining Global Shift to Tackle Over tourism

Greece is rolling out a new and significantly higher set of tourist taxes in 2025, as the country joins other global hotspots like Italy, Spain, Japan, and Mexico in using fiscal tools to manage record-breaking visitor numbers and protect local resources. The move comes as Greece faces persistent challenges from overtourism, especially on its iconic islands and in popular city centers, with over 36 million tourists visiting in 2023—more than three times the nation’s population.

What’s New for Tourists?

The biggest changes center around the new “Climate Crisis Resilience Tax,” which replaced the old accommodation tax and was increased again in 2025. This tax targets all accommodation types—hotels, villas, apartments, and short-term rentals like Airbnb—and its rate depends on the property’s star rating and the time of year. For 2025, most accommodation taxes have nearly doubled:

• Budget stays (like basic apartments or hostels) now carry a daily tax of €2–€4 per night.
• Four- and five-star hotels see charges rising up to €10 per room, per night in peak season.
• The Transient Occupancy Tax remains in force for up to six months a year, set between 0.5% and 0.75% of the room price in some municipalities.

In a bid to curb the swell of cruise tourism, Greece introduced a seasonal cruise passenger tax from July 1, 2025:

• Top destinations like Santorini and Mykonos now charge cruise ship visitors €20 per person.
• Other islands and ports levy €5 per cruise passenger, with the new measures expected to raise up to €50 million annually for local infrastructure and environmental preservation.

Why These Changes?

Greek authorities point to the urgent need for funds to repair and protect infrastructure, respond to climate and weather disasters, and safeguard local communities from the pressures of excessive tourism. Revenue from the new taxes will be directed toward climate resilience projects, restoring overused sites, and enhancing emergency response capacity.

What’s the Bigger Picture?
Greece is part of a broader wave of destinations ramping up visitor taxes and

regulations:

• Venice introduced a €5–€10 day-tripper fee and tougher cruise restrictions.
• Spain increased taxes and cracked down on illegal short-term rentals, while other EU cities have adopted stricter fines and tourist caps.
• Other countries including Japan, Norway, Mexico, and Canada now routinely levy visitor or overnight taxes to help offset tourism strain.

What Should Travelers Expect?

Tourists heading to Greece in 2025 should budget for higher daily accommodation taxes and additional fees—especially cruise passengers. While some hoteliers and travel groups fear this could dampen demand among budget travelers, authorities emphasize that sustainable tourism is essential for Greece’s long-term prosperity and for preserving its cultural and natural assets.

Key Points:

• New, higher “Climate Crisis Resilience Tax” applies to all accommodation, with top-tier hotels charging up to €10/night per room in peak season.
• Cruise visitors pay €20 each at Santorini/Mykonos and €5 at other islands during high season.
• Revenue will support climate adaptation, infrastructure, and managing overtourism.
• Greece aligns with other major destinations making tourist taxes the new norm to balance economic gains and quality of life for locals.