Impending Threat: How Cruise Ships Could Endanger an Unspoiled Greek Island

I climbed the last of the 350 steep and slippery steps leading to the Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery, an ancient structure clinging to the cliffside overlooking the turquoise bay of Agia Anna. This enchanting spot, known for its cinematic history as the setting for Luc Besson’s The Big Blue, offered a reverent ambiance, as monks gracefully served thimbles of clove-scented psimeni raki alongside sweet squares of loukoumi (similar to Turkish delight) to a handful of travelers.

However, this hidden gem of a Greek island, Amorgos, faces a pressing threat. Plans are underway to construct a new cruise terminal in the island’s quaint port of Katapola. While proponents believe the terminal could ease overcrowding in tourist-heavy locales like Mykonos and Santorini, many residents fear the strain such an influx of visitors could place on Amorgos’s fragile environment and small-town charm.

My visit came as part of a modest cruise itinerary that values uniqueness over sheer volume. With our ship accommodating fewer than 50 guests, we scarcely disrupted the serene surroundings compared to the larger cruise ships that inundate neighboring islands. These bustling vessels can bring up to 16,000 passengers in a single day, overwhelming local infrastructure and contributing to environmental degradation.

During my stay, I explored the island’s rugged terrain and secluded beaches by taxi. At one traditional kafeneia in Lagada, I spoke to locals who reminisced about the simple joys of their community. Giorgos, an elderly patron, poignantly noted the impracticality of accommodating cruise ship visitors in their quaint establishments.

With rising concerns about the cruise terminal development, local authorities are beginning to impose restrictions on the size and number of ships permitted to dock in popular destinations such as Santorini. After a particularly chaotic summer, residents are advocating for limits to be established to avoid repeating such overcrowding.

Nonetheless, some local business owners, like Irene Giannakopoulos from Aegialis Hotel & Spa, view the terminal’s foothold as a potential windfall for the community. They believe it may generate much-needed revenue and promote sustainable tourism initiatives.

The debate continues, reflecting a broader conversation about balancing tourism’s economic benefits against the preservation of local culture and environmental integrity. As the Greek National Tourism Organization projects an unprecedented rise in cruise passengers, communities like Amorgos face crucial decisions about their future amidst pressures from tourism development.

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