Great news for the hardworking donkeys of Santorini! The island’s mayor has announced a commitment to significantly improve conditions for working equines—and these changes are happening sooner rather than later. Following positive discussions between local authorities, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Greek Animal Welfare Fund/Animal Action Hellas (GAWF), Mayor Anastasios-Nikolaos Zorzos has pledged to implement five key improvements before the busy holiday season arrives.
Five Major Improvements Coming to Santorini’s Donkeys
These aren’t just promises—they’re concrete steps that will directly benefit the animals that carry visitors up and down the iconic caldera cliffs. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
1. Enhanced Shelter at Fira Port Entrance
The shelter at the top of Fira Port steps will be extended to provide better protection from the intense Greek sun. Working donkeys will finally have reliable shade during their busy days.
2. Permanent Water Access at Port Entrance
A permanent, free-flowing water trough will be installed at the top of Fira Port steps. Hydration is crucial for working animals, especially in Santorini’s hot climate, and this addition ensures constant access to fresh water.
3. Improvements at Lower Port Area
The shelter at the bottom of Fira Port steps will be repaired and extended, with an additional permanent water trough installed. This ensures welfare standards are maintained throughout the entire journey.
4. Updated Welfare Code of Practice
Local authorities will revise and simplify the code of practice for working equines, bringing it into alignment with modern European animal welfare directives while respecting Greek law. This modernization is essential for ensuring consistent, high standards across the board.
5. Professional Training Support
The mayor’s office will support training sessions organized by the Donkey Sanctuary. Education and proper handling techniques are vital to maintaining and improving animal welfare on the island.
Ongoing Monitoring and Visitor Responsibility
This isn’t a one-time initiative. The Donkey Sanctuary and GAWF will conduct follow-up visits to monitor progress and ensure commitments are being met. Both organizations are also calling on visitors to be thoughtful tourists.
“Make informed decisions about your suitability to ride an animal as well as the suitability of the animal to be ridden,” the organizations emphasized. This means considering factors like your weight, fitness level, and the specific animal’s condition and temperament.
A Win for Animal Welfare Tourism
These improvements represent a significant step forward for responsible tourism in Santorini. While the island’s iconic donkey rides have long been a popular attraction, the animals doing the hard work deserve proper care, shade, water, and rest—not just during tourist season, but year-round.
The commitment from Santorini’s local government shows that equine welfare and tourism can coexist. By improving working conditions and promoting responsible visitor behavior, the island is setting a positive example for other popular destinations worldwide.
If you’re planning a trip to Santorini this season, you’ll know that the donkeys carrying you up those famous steps are being treated with the care and respect they deserve. That’s a journey worth taking.