After years of concern from local hoteliers and stakeholders around the pressure of daily cruise arrivals, new measures are now in place, including an 8,000-passenger daily cap (down from 17,000) and a €20 peak-season passenger fee.

For a destination long defined by its caldera views, local craft, family-run hospitality, and small-scale island life, the change marks an important step toward a calmer, more considered visitor experience.

This moment is especially meaningful for Canaves Collection, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Founded by the Chaidemenos family, who were among the first to help shape hospitality in Oia, the collection has long been part of the conversation around protecting Santorini’s character while encouraging high-value, longer-stay travel.

Markos Chaidemenos, Managing Director of Canaves Collection, carries forward the legacy of his father, Ioannis, former Mayor of Oia, whose work helped preserve 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 insider view on Santorini’s past, present, and future.

All this said, would you be interested in speaking with Markos about Santorini’s next chapter? He can speak to the impact of the new regulations, the importance of restoring confidence in the destination, and how Canaves is encouraging guests to engage more deeply with the island through its new Harvest & Heritage programming, from fourth-generation pottery workshops to cooking classes at a family-owned winery.