Burgeoning cruise tourism testing Santorini's limits

Santorini's limits are being sorely tested by the arrival on the popular southeast Aegean holiday island of thousands of tourists every day, even in the fall. Moreover, though it has the second highest number of cruise visitors after the country's biggest port, Piraeus, Santorini sees the least economic benefits from this activity, which additionally puts a strain on its infrastructure, the local community and also on other visitors, particularly hotel guests.

The problem - which is all too evident as one walks along the crowded streets of Oia and Fira - meanwhile, is only set to get worse as cruise operators are looking to introduce overnight stays.

It is estimated that more than 12,000 passengers disembark from cruise ships onto this island of 15,500 people every day during the summer season, the overwhelming majority of whom will visit the two traditional villages of...