Mykonos, Greece’s misunderstood and yet beloved destination

Athens: Mykonos has been one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations for decades. The island of the winds, as it is known by Greeks, is a truly charming and yet often misunderstood destination.

Particularly known for its exuberant nightlife, the numerous luxurious brands that have established themselves there, and the hordes of international celebrities who visit it every year, Mykonos is the island of…everything.

Lately, the island has been at the epicenter of public discourse, including in terms of claims of overtourism, illegalities, and unjustifiably high prices.

In an exclusive interview with Greek Reporter, Mykonos Mayor Christos Veronis discussed the current dynamics of his island, addressing key issues such as tourist arrivals, the impact of the surge of cruise ship visits, and the general reputation of the island in Greece and beyond.

In recent years, Mykonos has gradually been seeing a shift in tourist demographics, along with the volume of the accommodation options available.

According to Mykonos Mayor Christos Veronis, so far, in 2024, there has been a noticeable decrease in international airport arrivals from regions such as North America, the Far East, and Arab countries. This is in comparison to 2019, which was a landmark year for Greece’s tourism prior to the pandemic.

Despite this, however, the island remains a true top destination for tourists from around the world. The island has recently seen an increase in accommodation options offered, which, combined with lower arrivals from major countries like the US, lead to lower occupancy rates. Mayor Veronis noted, however, that August saw an increase in the number of arrivals, matching those of 2019.

“Mykonos, nevertheless, is flooded with tourists, and the extension of the tourist season to September and October might cover potential losses,” Mayos Veronis said, highlighting the potential of eliminating any potential losses in revenue this year.

Cruise tourism, however, is the crucial factor that changes the scene completely, as it plays a significant role in Mykonos’ economy.

The mayor believes that Mykonos is capable of accommodating five to six cruise ships per day without any issues.

This year’s influx of cruise tourists has sparked discussions across Greece about overtourism. The conservative Greek government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis is considering implementing a cruise fee next year, a measure Mayor Veronis conditionally supports.

“The so-called cruise fee is a measure in the right direction and should be imposed,” he stated, suggesting that a reasonable fee could fund essential infrastructure improvements on the island without deterring visitors. “Right now there is a fee that is actually as low as 33 euro cents. If this is raised to five euros, for example, just like Venice did recently, it won’t be a problem for anyone,” the mayor told Greek Reporter.

However, he emphasized the need for such revenue to be directed to local communities so as to fund infrastructure works rather than the government in Athens taking it all.

The cost of visiting Mykonos has been a topic of debate for decades. The island has a reputation for being expensive, something that the mayor did not deny.

This issue has sparked controversies in the last few years with some foreign influencers branding the island as excessively expensive, provoking a lot of negative publicity for Mykonos.

Mayor Veronis acknowledged these issues. However, he defended the pricing structure of Mykonos, emphasizing the quality of services and the mature tourism market of the island.

“How do you explain that major brands selling expensive products are always full, while smaller, more affordable shops are not?” he questioned, pointing to the fact that at the end of the day, if there is demand, then there will be supply for that demand. However, Mayor Veronis also noted that Mykonos is a destination for everyone, regardless of money.

High inflated prices along with potential water shortages and drought issues are prominent across Greece.

This is why Mykonos is currently doing its best to address potential water scarcity. The island has dams and desalination plants ensuring a stable supply of water to everyone.

Mayor Veronis explained that his island’s infrastructure is well-equipped and was adamant that Mykonos will not face any water shortages in the near future.

Safety is a priority for Mykonos, as is expected for a destination with millions of visitors each year. There have been ongoing efforts to reduce illegal activities on the island for years from tax evasion to illegal occupancy of beaches. This is why particular emphasis has been placed this year on enhancing law enforcement across the island.

Mayor Veronis reassured potential visitors that Mykonos is a very safe destination, noting recent achievements in crime reduction through increased police presence. “Our goal is to eliminate illegality from the island,” he affirmed, saying that the situation is much better compared to a few years ago.

When asked about the years ahead, the mayor told Greek Reporter that Mykonos aims to maintain its status as a luxury destination in Greece, but it will also be a destination that remains open to all, regardless of age, gender, or financial status.