Greece is experiencing a steep decline in international tourism as visitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia turn away from its crown jewels — Santorini and Mykonos. The shift has rattled the nation’s tourism sector, sending ripples through local businesses, ferry operators, and hospitality providers.

Santorini, famed for its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and sunsets over the caldera, has been particularly hard hit. A series of minor earthquakes earlier this year, while causing no major damage, spurred safety concerns among prospective travelers. News of the tremors spread quickly, prompting many to alter their plans.

Data from the Greek Tourism Confederation and INSETE paints a troubling picture: international arrivals to Santorini are down by as much as 19% year-on-year. Projections suggest the island could end 2025 with an overall drop of 10–15% in visitors. Ferryhopper data also shows a 7% decline in ferry bookings, with notable decreases from key markets — the US (-5%), Canada (-6%), and Australia (-2%).

Mykonos, known for its luxury resorts, celebrity visitors, and lively nightlife, has also seen a downturn. While spared the seismic events of Santorini, the island’s early-season hotel occupancy was far below expectations, with many resorts reporting unfilled rooms during what should have been peak months.

Tourism officials stress that the declines may be temporary. Santorini and Mykonos have weathered crises before and remain global icons. However, the situation underscores the fragility of even the most sought-after destinations in the face of shifting travel patterns, natural events, and global uncertainties.

For travelers, the slowdown may have a silver lining: fewer crowds and a more relaxed, intimate experience of Greece’s most photographed islands.

Still, industry leaders warn that without strategic adjustments, these downturns could signal deeper vulnerabilities in Greece’s tourism model.