Significant changes to Greece’s tourist tax system have come into effect as of January 1, 2025, impacting visitors to Crete, Greece, the country’s largest island and premier tourist destination. These changes, part of a nationwide initiative, will affect everything from hotel stays to vacation rentals and cruise visits.
The new tax structure arrives as Crete continues to see remarkable growth in tourism, with the island welcoming over 5.35 million visitors through its airports in 2024 alone – more than eight times its permanent population of 650,000 residents.
New Tax Structure for Hotels and Accommodations
During the high season (April through October), hotel guests on Crete will face the following nightly taxes. According to the Greek Tourism Ministry, these rates are charged per room per night, not per guest:
- 1-2 star hotels: 2€ per night
- 3-star hotels: 5€ per night
- 4-star hotels: 10€ per night
- 5-star hotels: 15€ per night
For those preferring vacation rentals during peak season, the taxes are:
- Standard short-term rentals: 8€ per night
- Furnished rooms/apartments: 2€ per night
- Large homes over 80m²: 15€ per night
- Tourist villas: 15€ per night
Important Clarification on Rental Types:
Standard short-term rentals typically refer to properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, while furnished rooms/apartments traditionally refer to properties registered under the specific “Rooms to Let” license category in Greece, which are often family-run accommodations. Property owners should consult with their accountants or tax advisors to determine their correct classification based on their specific business registration and operating license in Greece.
Lower Rates for Off-Season Travel
Travelers visiting Crete during the quieter months (November through March) will benefit from significantly reduced rates, with hotel taxes dropping to as low as 0.50€ per night for 1-2 star establishments and 4€ for luxury hotels.
Cruise Passenger Impact
In a notable development for cruise tourism, passengers visiting Crete, Greece, will be charged a 5€ daily fee – considerably lower than the 20€ levy imposed on popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. This positions Crete as a more economical choice for cruise travelers exploring the Greek islands.
Purpose and Implementation
The increased taxes are part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing Greece’s tourism infrastructure and climate change challenges. According to Greek government sources, revenue generated from these new taxes will be directed toward:
- Climate change adaptation measures
- Disaster prevention initiatives
- Local infrastructure improvements
Impact on Crete’s Tourism
As an island that generates 26% of Greece’s total tourism turnover, these changes could significantly impact Crete’s tourism sector. In 2024, Crete saw impressive growth through its major gateways:
- Heraklion Airport: 3.8 million arrivals
- Chania Airport: 1.5 million arrivals
- Cruise passengers: 850,000 visitors
Practical Implications for Visitors
Tourists planning their 2025 visits to Crete should:
- Carefully review accommodation listings for tax details
- Confirm whether taxes are included in quoted prices
- Verify payment methods accepted for tax collection
- Consider traveling during off-season for reduced rates
- Note that the climate resilience tax is charged per room per night, not per person
- Verify with your accommodation provider which tax category applies to your booking
These new measures reflect Greece’s broader strategy to balance tourism growth with sustainability and infrastructure development, ensuring that popular destinations like Crete can continue to provide quality experiences for visitors while protecting local resources and communities.
Published on: February 4th, 2025
