Long-standing weight limits on donkey rides in Greece have reignited debate about animal tourism across southern Europe.
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A rule limiting how much weight tourists can put on working donkeys in Greece is drawing fresh attention, reopening a heated debate about animal tourism across Europe. The guidance, introduced on popular islands where donkeys still carry visitors along steep historic routes, sets a recommended rider limit of around 100kg. Supporters say it protects animals from injury and exhaustion. Critics argue it exposes deeper questions about whether animal rides should exist at all in modern tourism.
The issue has resurfaced as travellers become more aware of how traditional holiday experiences affect animal welfare. What was once viewed as a harmless island custom is increasingly being reassessed through a more ethical lens, especially in destinations where tourism numbers have surged in recent years.
Why Greece introduced donkey riding limits
The guidance is most closely associated with islands such as Santorini, where donkeys have traditionally transported visitors along steep routes between ports and hilltop towns. Following pressure from animal welfare groups, local authorities introduced rules designed to reduce injuries and exhaustion among working animals.
The best-known measure suggests that riders should not exceed around 100kg (220 pounds). The figure is based on veterinary recommendations that working animals should carry no more than roughly one-fifth of their body weight, especially in hot climates and on demanding terrain.
Rather than a single nationwide ban, enforcement typically falls to local authorities and operators. This means implementation can vary between islands, depending on tourism levels and municipal oversight.
Ongoing concerns about animal welfare
Animal welfare organisations have argued for years that clearer standards and stronger enforcement are needed. Beyond weight limits, campaigners often highlight issues such as long working hours, lack of shade, and dehydration during peak summer heat.
Supporters of tighter rules say the goal is not to eliminate local traditions but to ensure animals are protected as tourism grows. The steep rise in visitor numbers on some islands has intensified scrutiny of practices once seen as routine. At the same time, some local communities defend donkey rides as part of island heritage and an important source of income, creating a tension between preservation and reform.
Not just a Greek issue
The debate over animal-based attractions is not unique to Greece. Across the Mediterranean, destinations are reassessing how traditional tourist experiences fit into modern travel expectations.
In Spain, the donkey taxis of Mijas on the Costa del Sol have been the focus of repeated controversy. Concerns about heat exposure and working conditions have led to international headlines and ongoing calls for tighter regulation or alternatives.
Similar conversations have taken place in other parts of Europe, reflecting a wider shift in how travellers view animal welfare during holidays.
Changing expectations from travellers
As tourism evolves, ethical considerations are playing a bigger role in how visitors choose experiences. Some destinations have introduced clearer welfare checks, rest requirements and limits on working hours for animals. Others are gradually moving towards alternative transport options or promoting experiences that do not involve animals at all. While Greece’s weight guidance has existed for years, its renewed visibility highlights how sensitive the issue has become.