The municipality of Kea, the closest Cycladic island to the Greek capital city of Athens also known as Tzia, has rejected the environmental impact study for a planned luxury resort on the island’s western coast, leaving the project’s future in limbo.
The proposed five-star resort by Spanish developer Inmo Park Invest was to be built in the area of Vroskopos near another luxury complex, which had opened despite environmental concerns, and would feature over three hundred beds.
The Kea Municipal Council unanimously opposed the plan, citing serious environmental and social concerns, focusing on two main issues: the strain on the island’s water resources and the lack of housing provisions for the resort’s employees. The resort’s annual estimated water demand stands at 64,000 cubic meters, and it would depend on three groundwater wells.
The water demand has raised fears of further strain on the water supplies, especially in the area of Pisses, which has recently suffered severe water shortages, impacting local agriculture. The absence of accommodation for the resort’s workers in this remote part of the island has raised further concerns.
Despite the municipality’s firm rejection and mounting opposition over the project, preliminary work, such as land excavation and the drilling of wells, has already begun. Residents are now warning of attempts to produce irreversible consequences on the ground.
Greece, one of the most visited countries globally, especially during the summer, depends heavily on tourism, which accounts for almost 25 percent of the country’s GDP. The number of international tourists has surged in the past few years.
In 2024, over 40 million visited the small country of 10 million people. Yet, experts have already sounded alarm bells on the risks of overtourism, such as overconstruction, environmental degradation, and a strain on the country’s natural resources, including on its water supply.
The island of Kea, the unsung jewel of the Cyclades
Even though it doesn’t share the fame and glamor of Mykonos or Santorini, Kea has many of the qualities travelers to Greek islands typically look for.
For instance, one doesn’t have to travel far from the capital to get to Kea. It is only 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Athens. Furthermore, one can be there in an hour by ferry from Lavrio, the site of the famous silver mines of ancient Greece.
Chora, located in the center of the island, is built on the grounds of the ancient town of Ioulida, the capital of Kea from the late Roman to early Byzantine times. It is a charming little town with traditional clay tile-roofed houses, stone-paved streets, cute little terraces, galleries, and a challenging number of stairs.
Don’t miss two significant structures built by Ernst Ziller (a famous 19th century architect), the new Town Hall and the Historic Municipal buildings. Accommodations and overall expenses for one’s stay are less expensive on Kea, too. It is ideal for families and more adventurous travelers who like to discover new places.
The first thing tourists seek on Greek islands is crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches to bask in the sun and cool off with a dip in the sea. Kea has plenty of those: Otzias, Koundouros, Pisses, Gialiskari, Frea, Korissia, and Kampi are only some of the beaches that beckon to winter-weary travelers.
There are several water sports facilities on the island as well, where one can find equipment and the appropriate trainers. Quite often, water sport races are held there, as well. Those who enjoy walking and rambling around to discover new vistas can use the cobblestone paths to explore Kea and admire its green ravine, remote, hidden coves, ancient ruins, and Byzantine chapels.
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