Cruise regulations reshape Santorini | News

Under the recently tightened cruise ship regulations in Santorini, Canaves Collection offers a current perspective on what this shift means for the island, its visitors and the future of thoughtful tourism in the Cyclades.
After years of concern from local hoteliers and stakeholders about the pressure of daily cruise arrivals, new measures are now in place, including a daily limit of 8,000 passengers (up from 17,000) and a €20 passenger surcharge in high season. For a destination long defined by its caldera views, local crafts, family-run hospitality and small-scale island living, the change marks a significant step toward a calmer, more thoughtful visitor experience.

This moment is especially meaningful for Canaves Collection, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The collection was founded by the Chaidemenos family, who were one of the first to shape hospitality in Oia
was part of the conversation about protecting Santorini’s character and encouraging high-quality extended-stay travel.

Markos Chaidemenos, Managing Director of Canaves Collection, continues the legacy of his father, Ioannis, former mayor of Oia, whose work helped maintain the village’s visual identity and support a more thoughtful approach to development. As Canaves marks four decades on the island, the family’s perspective offers a rare glimpse into Santorini’s past, present and future.