Locals on the Greek island of Milos are up in arms over the construction of a 5-star hotel on the world famous Sarakiniko Beach located on the island’s north shore.

The beach, which attracts thousands of tourists every year, is known for its spectacular greyish-white volcanic rock formations, which visitors compare to a lunarscape.

The development has triggered widespread protests from residents and local government.

The island’s mayor Manolis Pikelis was reported as saying that the municipality had never issued a permit for the hotel and that immediate actions would be taken to the suspend all construction permits until special urban plans were finalized.

According to media reports, the Municipality of Milos has ruled that no construction be allowed within 100-150 meters from the shoreline—making the hotel project a clear violation of zoning laws.

It should also be noted, that last year, in response to public outrage, the Greek government was forced to review its coastal development policies and revise shoreline use rules. Among others, these laws clearly state that construction in Natura protected areas or in areas of beauty is banned.

Milos

Sarakiniko is one of the most Instgrammed beaches of Greece, repeatedly named among the most beautiful locations in the world.

Aerial images of construction works under way reached the media this week raising concerns about unchecked development in protected natural landscapes. According to media reports, the project is being undertaken by Unique Developments ATEE, which acquired property in the Kaminia area for a two-story hotel.

In response to the claims, Greek Environment Minister Theodoros Skylakakis said building authorities on Milos were inspecting the project and that the National Transparency Authority would be assessing the legality of the building permit.

The Sarakiniko hotel project is not an isolated case of questionable construction. A similar case is the Coco-Mat Athens BC boutique hotel which exceeded height limits blocking the view to the Acropolis.  Earlier this year, the Council of State (CoS), Greece’s highest administrative court, ordered the demolition of the top floors of the hotel.

Many Greek islands are now faced with overdevelopment due to the high demand for accommodation. Last year, three very popular Greek islands  –Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros– were listed among Europe’s 11 most endangered heritage sites by the European Federation for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, Europa Nostra.