A massive tourist development threatens one of the few unspoiled beaches of Mykonos, the Agrari Beach, local site Mykonoslive.tv reports.
According to the report, locals are disturbed by a 154 million euro proposed development plan which foresees the creation of a 5-star hotel, with a capacity of 82 bedrooms and 12 furnished houses.
Company Southrock has reportedly purchased 47 acres of the area overlooking the long sandy beach, which, although popular with locals and tourists, still offers plenty of space for yourself.
Agrari Beach is usually split in half — umbrellas and sunbeds on one side, just sand on the other.
It offers crystal-clear water and a more reasonably-priced restaurant when compared to the rest of Mykonos. The gay crowds that can’t find space at neighboring Elia, often spill over to this beach.
Related: Mykonos Beach Among the Most Expensive in the World
Tourist development on Mykonos may lead to the destruction of natural beauty
Residents complain that the development will bring about the destruction of the natural beauty of the area, Mykonoslive.tv reports.
It says that Agrari is one of the last corners of the island that offers tranquility and the possibility for Mykonians and tourists to enjoy swimming and sunbathing by spreading their towels on the golden sand or paying for sunbeds at reasonable prices.
The few businesses operating in the area offer authentic Mykonian hospitality, treating customers as friends.
Mykonos does not need investments that decisively alter the natural landscape. Because it is certain that the relief of the area, the impressive rocks that in mythology were called the Stone Forest, will be destroyed, the report claims.
Social media users are angry about the development at Agrari
The report also carries comments from social media with many expressing anger and disappointment at the news.
One Facebook user writes: “The island has lost its soul a long time ago. Very rarely do you find a quiet and natural corner without cement, electric cables and garbage… It will be the beginning of the end for the beauty of Mykonos… This is called GREED which the ordinary Mykonian is not interested in”.
Another user comments: “Money has become the nightmare of a paradise like Mykonos. Don’t you locals leave this little island. Hours upon hours it looks like a war zone to my eyes. Whatever natural beauty God gave to this magical island, they destroyed it. I am a foreigner, but Mykonos has stolen a part of my heart.”
A third user from France says: “Don’t let it happen! In France and especially in Corsica when something like this happens, we go to court and if we don’t get justice there we go and camp on the spot and prevent the trucks from starting work. Agrari is the last authentic spot of Mykonos. I remember years ago turtles jumping out of the sand. Turn to environmentalists and the European Commission for help. Organize a big protest.”
With more than two million visitors a year, Mykonos is one of the world’s hottest vacation destinations — and a source of prosperity in Greece’s economic revival.
Since the country’s decade-long financial crisis ended in 2018, Greece has surfed on a recovery fueled by tourism and investment. Investors have come to Mykonos in droves, eager to cash in on a gold mine of development for luxury properties, sprawling hotels and high-wattage nightclubs for the free-spending crowds.
Related: The Island of Mykonos Throughout the Millennia
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