The Unspoiled Greek Island at Risk: The Impact of Cruise Ships on Paradise

I climbed the last of 350 steep and slippery steps to reach Panagia Hozoviotissa, perched high on the cliffs. The breathtaking view of Agia Anna’s turquoise bay, the filming location for The Big Blue, mesmerized me. The tenth-century monastery, with its eight floors and narrow stone staircases, felt like a fortress carved into the cliff.

As I entered the quaint, incense-scented church, monks welcomed visitors with thimbles of clove-scented raki and sugar-dusted squares of loukoumi. This intimate experience left me with a feeling of shared discovery, creating a moment I would cherish.

However, this hidden gem, the Greek island of Amorgos, is under threat. Plans to construct a cruise terminal in the island’s port, Katapola, could invite massive cruise ships to a destination currently unspoiled by tourism. Advocates argue that the terminal will alleviate the congestion faced by their more popular neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini, but the impact on Amorgos could be devastating.

On a recent trip with Variety Cruises, I explored the easternmost Cyclades. Arriving by a small vessel carrying fewer than 50 passengers was a far cry from the enormous cruise liners projected to dock should a new terminal be constructed. The local environment, characterized by rugged terrain and secluded beaches, is simply not equipped for massive influxes of visitors, particularly when existing infrastructure struggles with waste management and water supply.

During my stay, I visited the island’s traditional kafeneia, favored by locals, where the owner expressed concern over how the rise in visitors could disrupt the community’s rhythm. He pointed out a simple reality—there wouldn’t be enough seating if cruise ship passengers descended upon the area. Previous experiences on nearby Santorini made it clear: overcrowding can turn charming locales into frustrating scenes of elbow-to-elbow hustling.

Local leaders are striving to manage tourist flow. For example, Santorini has limited the size of ships allowed in peak seasons, but growth on Amorgos is inevitable if a cruise terminal is built. As islanders voice their concerns, local Alexios Seilopoulos initiated a petition against the terminal proposal. Many share worries that any economic benefits would be fleeting, filling the local community’s coffers for only a moment while leaving degradation in return.

In contrast, some local business owners see potential for economic growth, positing that tourism could uplift the community. Providing visitors access to Amorgos holds promise, yet it’s vital to balance this with preserving the soul of the island. Environmental advocates and concerned residents hope a future decision will favor sustainable tourism practices, rather than converting Amorgos into just another cruise ship stopover.

As I reflected on my visit, I wondered about the future of Amorgos. Will it remain a secluded paradise, or will it succumb to the tidal wave of mass tourism? For dedicated travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility, Amorgos stands out as a reminder of what can be lost when growth goes unchecked. The island’s unique charm should be safeguarded for future generations, allowing them to experience the same fleeting sense of discovery that took hold of me during my visit.

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