Are you considering or planning a trip to Santorini in 2026? I’ve compiled everything that’s changing and everything you need to know specifically for this year: access, new hotels, sustainable tourism, cruise restrictions, and especially the earthquake risks that marked the island in early 2025. Here’s everything that’s changing to prepare your trip to Santorini in 2026.
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The essentials to know about Santorini in 2026
In 2026, Santorini is undergoing a dual transformation: on one hand, it’s accelerating its transition toward regulated and sustainable tourism with strict limits on cruise passengers and a moratorium on new constructions. On the other, it’s recovering from a major seismic crisis that shook the island for two months in early 2025, reminding everyone of its active volcanic nature.
If you only want to remember the essentials, here’s what really characterizes your trip in 2026:
- Strict limit of 8,000 cruise passengers per day since 2025, compared to peaks of 17,000 previously, with a prioritization system for ships based on their environmental impact
- Seismic crisis of January-February 2025: more than 25,000 earthquakes over two months, mass evacuations. Situation now stabilized but vigilance maintained
- Symbolic moratorium on new tourism constructions, focus on renovating existing establishments
- Santorini’s entry into the 2026 MICHELIN Guide, alongside Athens and Thessaloniki. The guide will expand in 2026
- ETIAS requirement (Schengen area authorization) to enter Greece from 2026 (approximately €20, valid for 3 years)
- Enhanced tourist tax now also applied to cruise passengers
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Santorini:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Santorini: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Full day catamaran along the cliffs
My favorite excursion: the Highlights Tour
My favorite places to stay:
- In Oia, the most famous area on the cliffs: Marizan Caves
- In Fira, the most central to explore by bus: Keti Hotel
- In Kamari for a stay by the beach: Hotel Sunshine
Earthquakes and seismic risks: what you need to know
This is probably the topic that worries travelers the most, and I think it deserves to be treated separately.
The seismic crisis of January-February 2025
In early 2025, the region between Santorini and Amorgos island experienced an exceptional seismic crisis. Between January 31 and February 19, 2025, more than 25,000 earthquakes were recorded in the area, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.3 on the Richter scale. These tremors were felt as far as Athens and triggered the evacuation of more than 11,000 people, both residents and tourists.
According to researchers, the cause is a deep magmatic intrusion. The magma remained very deep (more than 8 kilometers) and solidified without reaching the surface. This is reassuring.
Current situation and prospects for 2026
Since March 2025, seismic activity has significantly decreased. There are no signs of an imminent volcanic eruption. The magma, having stopped moving and solidified at depth, no longer poses a short-term eruption threat. Scientists maintain close monitoring.
Concretely for your trip
For you, in 2026, this means:
- Stay informed before and during your stay via official websites (Greek Ministry of Civil Protection, Seismological Laboratory of the University of Athens)
- Familiarize yourself with emergency guidelines: in case of a strong tremor, immediately move away from coastal areas (tsunami risk).
Greek authorities have strengthened building inspections, removed dangerous structures, and introduced improved emergency protocols.
Attractions: New features, closures and renovations
Akrotiri archaeological site
The Akrotiri archaeological site is a must for history enthusiasts. This Minoan city, buried under volcanic ash during the catastrophic eruption of the 17th century BC, has been preserved.
You’ll discover multi-story buildings, paved streets with sewage systems, colorful frescoes, and advanced urban infrastructure testifying to the prosperity of this merchant civilization. The site is covered by a modern bioclimatic roof that protects the ruins and makes the visit comfortable even in intense heat.
Since April 2024, entry is only by reserved time slot (ticket valid 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after the chosen time). Book online in advance.
Archaeological Museum of Thera (Fira)
After a complete renovation, the archaeological museum of Fira reopened its doors in June 2025.
New exhibition: the museum now proudly displays the “Kore of Thera,” a rare archaic Greek statue that has become the centerpiece of the collection.
Improvements: the renovation modernized the building’s energy efficiency and accessibility, transforming it into a contemporary cultural center capable of accommodating a large number of visitors.
The “Lost Atlantis” Experience
The Lost Atlantis Experience museum continues to develop.
AI integration: In August 2025, the museum launched an exhibition with artificial intelligence. This feature allows visitors to “converse” with Plato and explore the myth of Atlantis through interactive dialogue.
Immersive features: The museum continues to leverage its 9D cinema (simulating the earthquake and tsunami) and its augmented reality dioramas to visualize the island’s geological history.
Santorini expansion of the Michelin Guide in 2026
As part of a historic evolution for the local industry, the Michelin Guide confirmed it will extend its coverage to Santorini (and Thessaloniki) in 2026. The 2025 and 2026 seasons will likely be marked by intense culinary experimentation, with establishments competing for the island’s first stars.
Santorini beaches
Santorini is not a “beach island” in the traditional sense, but it has several beaches with black volcanic sand or pebbles. No major changes to report for 2026.
See our list of the most beautiful beaches.
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
New hotels and upscale development
Prices and availability
Tourism regulations and the temporary drop in visitor numbers in 2025 (linked to the seismic crisis) create a unique opportunity for 2026: more competitive prices than in 2023-2024, especially outside July-August, with wider availability in boutique establishments.
New hotels to try opened in 2025 and 2026
Sandblu Santorini, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Hilton), located in a spectacular setting on the caldera, this establishment offers contemporary design, personalized service, and an immersive experience of the volcanic island.
See photos and availability
The Duchess on Thirassia (the second island). Exclusive boutique hotel.
Santo Mine Oia Suites opened in 2024 in Amoudi Bay.
See photos and availability
Where to stay in Santorini?
My favorites:
- For the charm: Oia – See best-rated accommodations
- To explore by bus: Fira – See best-rated accommodations
- To enjoy the beach & nightlife: Kamari – See best-rated accommodations
- For cheaper options: Emporio – See best-rated accommodations
- Away from the crowds: Vlychada – See accommodations
Getting to Santorini in 2026
ETIAS requirement from 2026
Major news for non-European travelers: from 2026 (approximately six months after the launch of the EES system planned for late 2025), all citizens of visa-exempt countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen area, including Greece.
Plan to submit your application several days before your departure to avoid any last-minute stress.
The 2026 Airport Reconstruction (JTR) – January
Perhaps the most significant logistical disruption for the upcoming 2026 season is the scheduled total closure of Santorini (Thira) National Airport (JTR). This project represents a major capital investment in safety and capacity but will temporarily sever the island’s aerial connectivity. The airport is scheduled to close to all commercial traffic from January 12 to January 19, 2026.
Time to book!
Compare everything: airlines, prices, schedules and availability.
Ferries
You can also come by ferry from Athens, Crete and other Cycladic islands.
No changes to note.
Book your ferry.
Getting around Santorini
Public buses
The public bus network in Santorini serves all major locations on the island, with regular connections between Fira, Oia, the airport, Athinios port, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, and inland villages. No major changes.
Uber, Bolt, Taxi
Uber and Bolt are not available in Santorini. Traditional taxis are available at the airport and in hotels, with metered rates.
Car rental
No major changes identified in 2026 concerning roads or traffic rules. Road infrastructure remains stable. This remains the most flexible way to explore Santorini.
Need to rent a car in Santorini?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t take a car too large, since village streets can be narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Tourism in Santorini and environmental initiatives
Santorini is actively engaged in a transition toward sustainable and circular tourism. Several structural initiatives mark 2026:
VERNE Project: first sustainable impact hotel
The VERNE project aims to create Santorini’s first “sustainable impact hotel” by converting an existing accommodation into an agrotourism unit integrating circular economy principles.
This prototype will serve as a replicable model for other Cycladic destinations.
Carbon neutrality for private tours
Local operators committed in 2025 to make all their services carbon neutral, by measuring the carbon footprint of each tour and purchasing certified carbon credits to offset emissions.
Threats to vineyards: climate change and tourism
Land pressure and droughts threaten its millennial wine heritage. Producers are experimenting with adaptation techniques (organic mulching, targeted irrigation, replanting with healthy vine cuttings).
Urban planning and environment: a protected territory
A new urban planning scheme, being finalized in 2026, plans to increase protected areas from 21.8% to 67.3% of Santorini’s territory. In parallel, areas designated for tourism development will be reduced by nearly 60%.
New rules impose minimum plots of 4 hectares for any hotel or resort construction, making the multiplication of small complexes virtually impossible. This measure aims to preserve the caldera landscapes and concentrate efforts on renovation and upgrading of existing establishments.
Cliff stabilization and infrastructure
Authorities are also investing in stabilizing the caldera slopes to reduce landslide risks, reinforced by recent seismic activity. These occasional works may lead to temporary traffic restrictions on certain coastal roads in 2026.
Climate Crisis Resilience Tax
Greece strengthened its tourist tax in 2024-2025, and these rates fully apply in 2026. The tax varies according to accommodation type and season (in addition to your accommodation’s tourist tax)
Limit of 8,000 cruise passengers per day
From 2025, Santorini applies a strict limit of 8,000 cruise passengers per day, compared to peaks that reached up to 17,000 simultaneous disembarkations on certain summer days.
The system works via a ranking and time slot algorithm (slotting). Ships are prioritized according to several criteria: total number of the company’s calls at Santorini, planned duration of stay in port, number of off-season calls, past behavior (cancellations), environmental impact of the vessel, and timestamp of the port call request.
In 2025, the system assumes 80% occupancy of ships to calculate passenger numbers; in 2026, this assumption increases to 100%, making control even stricter.
And a specific cruise tax has been introduced.
Concrete consequences for you:
If you’re staying on the island (not on a cruise), this regulation positively transforms your experience: the alleys of Oia and Fira are less saturated during the day, the cable car is more accessible, and the general atmosphere is more breathable.
Events and festivals 2026
Santorini Carnival (Apokreo)
The carnival season (Apokreo) takes place from February 15 to March 2, 2026, with Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) on March 2 marking the beginning of Orthodox Lent and the end of festivities. Costume parades, traditional music and festive atmosphere in the villages.
Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Easter falls on April 12, 2026. It’s the most important religious celebration of the year in Greece, with candlelight processions on Good Friday, fireworks and the Resurrection Mass on Saturday night into Sunday.
Supa Dupa Fly Festival Santorini
Electronic and house music festival taking place from June 5-9, 2026. 18+ event attracting international DJs and a cosmopolitan crowd.
Ifestia Festival
The Ifestia Festival celebrates the volcanic eruption that shaped Santorini. It will take place on September 19, 2026. The highlight is a fireworks display choreographed over the caldera, telling the island’s history and myths through music and light.
Want to see more of the best Santorini has to offer?
- My Top 10 best things to do in Santorini – read article
- 25 inspiring pictures of the best Santorini landscapes to capture – read article
- My selection of the most amazing boat tours around Santorini – read article
- The best places to stay in Santorini – read article
- The best things to do in Oia – read article
- My tips on renting a car and driving around Santorini to see more – read article
- My Santorini itinerary suggestions for 1, 2, 3 days or more – read article
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
