Greece Introduces Cashless Travel System for Cyclades Islands

Greece is set to launch a groundbreaking cashless travel system for tourists visiting its iconic Cyclades Islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos, in 2026. The initiative, called the Cyclades Digital Pass, is designed to streamline payments for ferry rides, accommodation, and local transport, reducing wait times and congestion while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Tourists using the digital pass can make secure, contactless payments via a dedicated mobile app or digital card, loaded with funds in real-time at transparent exchange rates. AI-driven features within the system will also suggest alternative, less crowded routes or islands, helping travelers avoid peak-season congestion and discover quieter destinations like Folegandros and Serifos.

The move comes amid record-breaking tourist numbers in Greece. From January to September 2025, the country welcomed 31.6 million international visitors, with total arrivals projected to surpass 37 million by the end of the year. The Cyclades, a hotspot for international travelers, have experienced a 5.5% increase in air arrivals and generated 16.7 billion euros in tourism receipts during the first nine months of 2025.

Beyond improving efficiency for visitors, the Cyclades Digital Pass aims to stimulate local economies. Increased digital transactions are expected to drive a 14% rise in tourist spending, boosting hotels, restaurants, retail, and cultural experiences across the islands. The system also aligns with the Tourism for All 2025 initiative, offering virtual debit cards for tourists with accessibility needs, while maintaining strong data security and privacy protections.

Officials say the Cyclades Digital Pass could serve as a model for sustainable tourism management worldwide, balancing rising tourist demand with the preservation of the islands’ natural and cultural heritage.