Greek authorities have canceled the controversial construction of a luxury hotel on Sarakiniko, a world-famous beach on Milos.
Local authorities on the Cycladic island of Milos said a building license for the resort on the world-renowned “moon beach” had been revoked by the municipality’s planning department after falling short of inspection standards.
“It was found that not all required approvals and supporting documentation had been submitted,” the island’s municipal council said in a statement on Wednesday. “No construction will proceed without full compliance with laws and environmental requirements.”
The decision follows the findings of the National Transparency Authority, which indicated serious irregularities in the permit, including the issue of inappropriate environmental licensing. The authority pointed out that it was licensed as a small category unit, though this is inaccurate.
Plans for a hotel had caused outrage
Plans to build a 5-star luxury hotel near Sarakiniko Beach on Milos had sparked outrage on the Greek island. Mayor Manolis Mikelis has denied that the local authority gave permission for the construction of the hotel and vowed to fight for a suspension of all construction permits until the special urban plans are approved.
The municipality, moreover, has requested that no work be allowed in a zone 100 to 150 meters from the shore, in areas such as Sarakiniko.
Describing the Milos decision as “the tip of the iceberg,” Demetres Karavellas, the general director of WWF Greece, told The Guardian “the very identity” of the nation’s island archipelagoes was at risk of being lost if overdevelopment and other byproducts of unrestricted tourism were not brought under control.
“The Milos decision may be a good one … but what happens to the dozens of other similar cases throughout the islands that are not publicly exposed and scrutinized?” he questioned. “On many Greek islands, an unchecked construction frenzy is erasing the landscape before our eyes. Without proper proactive planning and clear rules, the damage to nature and the very identity of these unique islands is becoming irreversible.”
Sarakiniko Beach on Milos is renowned for its lunar-like landscape
Sarakiniko Beach, located on the northeastern coast of the island of Milos in Greece, is one of the Cyclades‘ most iconic and striking natural attractions.
It is renowned for its unique lunar-like landscape, characterized by smooth, white volcanic rock formations that result in an otherworldly appearance.
The beach is formed from eroded volcanic rocks sculpted by wind and waves over millions of years. Its bright white rocks starkly contrast with the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, leading to a dramatic visual effect.
The area is relatively small and does not feature a traditional sandy shoreline but rather a combination of flat rocks and small coves.
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