People have been left horrified after they were unable to get off the ferry when they arrived at a Greek beach as the popular destination was packed with tourists
The beach was peaceful at the start of the year, but now it’s seriously chaotic (file)(Image: Abstract Aerial Art via Getty Images)
Imagine going on an excursion when you’re on holiday, only to be unable to get off the boat you arrived on because the island is too busy. You’d likely be furious, wanting a refund for the trip, and wondering why so many others had been allowed to travel on the same day as you to visit the island.
But that was the reality recently for disgruntled tourists as they arrived at Balos Beach in Crete, Greece, only to be unable to disembark from their boat. It was described as “hell on earth,” and people are blaming influencers for the beach pile-up.
The beach is renowned for its “hypnotising turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape,” however, it has been so heavily promoted and plastered across social media that many believe this is the root cause of the overwhelming crowds.
Visitors were pictured crammed along the shoreline, and as they queued to make their way onto the island, yet more tourists continued to pour in by boat, creating absolute chaos.
Local media have reported that authorities are now taking steps to regulate visitor numbers in order to protect the environment and guarantee the safety of those who do make the trip.
It has been proposed that a maximum of 1,200 people should be permitted on the island at any one time, according to The Daily Mail.
On X, one user shared the shocking footage, writing: “Balos Beach, Greece, a queue of tourists waiting to board the return boat, while other boats keep arriving loaded with new visitors”.
One visitor recalled that a trip in May had been a “different universe,” describing the beach as completely peaceful at that time of year compared to now.
However, many families have little choice but to holiday during the peak summer months, as parents face penalties for taking children out of school during term time.
“This is the harm that influencers do,” one man claimed, given that this beach has been branded a seriously Instagrammable destination in Greece, which has contributed to its soaring popularity.
Others described it as “horrifying,” with some arguing that entry fees should be increased to manage visitor numbers.
While some remarked it didn’t appear “very relaxing,” others drew comparisons to “attending a concert,” pointing out that queuing is sometimes part and parcel of popular experiences.
It’s not the only location that has sparked debate in Greece this summer, as one woman revealed she had to wait for two hours just to capture the perfect Instagram photograph in Oia, Santorini.
People begin queuing as early as 7am in the hope of securing the ideal shot of the iconic blue-domed buildings and stunning azure waters, but is it genuinely worthwhile?
Influencer Luiza Parente recently visited Santorini herself and documented the enormous queue required to snap a photograph.
Nevertheless, she believed it was worth the wait, as she successfully captured the perfect shot – and she even dressed in blue to commemorate the moment.