Santorini cannot be transformed into a private destination for a select few, say municipality authorities. Credit: Greek Reporter
The Municipality of Thera (Santorini) has expressed its categorical opposition to any plan for the establishment of a private or closed tourist zone on the island.
This firm stance comes in response to recent international media reports detailing the proposed “Royal Beach Club Santorini” by Royal Caribbean International, which would be exclusively for its cruise ship passengers.
Reports from Travel and Tour World and the Royal Caribbean Blog state that the US cruise line plans to develop a private beachfront complex on Santorini, modeled after the “Royal Beach Club Nassau” in the Bahamas, with a target opening of 2026. The facility would reportedly include leisure, dining, and activity amenities with access restricted only to Royal Caribbean guests.
Santorini not a private destination, island authorities say
Reacting strongly to the potential project, the Municipality of Thera declared that Santorini is a public and vibrant place that cannot be transformed into a private destination for a select few. Local authorities emphasized that establishing a “private village” or exclusive access zones would damage the local economy, create social inequalities, and fundamentally alter the island’s cultural and social fabric.
The Municipality views such initiatives as running counter to the principles of sustainable development and respect for the local community. It has announced its intention to take all necessary institutional actions to protect the public nature of the land, ensure free access, and safeguard the economic activities of its residents.
The dispute takes on added urgency as Santorini, a symbolic Greek destination, already operates past its capacity limits, receiving over 1.3 million cruise passengers annually. Local authorities are striving for an open, equitable, and sustainable tourism model, stressing that Santorini “belongs to its people and must remain welcoming to all.”
Related: Record Tourism Numbers Clash With Controversial Cruise Tax on Mykonos
