Greece intervenes to suspend a large scale hotel expansion in Milos, as construction advances near the iconic Sarakiniko coastline. Credit: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Greece has moved to freeze a controversial hotel expansion project on the island of Milos, as concerns grow over planning compliance and environmental protection near one of the island’s most distinctive coastal landscapes. Authorities stepped in while construction at the site continued at a steady pace, despite ongoing legal challenges and unresolved regulatory issues.
The project is in the Mytakas area near the world-famous Sarakiniko Beach and has sparked intense reactions at both the local and national level.
Development raises alarms
The project involves a major expansion of an existing luxury accommodation complex. Developers plan to transform a property of around 30 suites into a large resort with 171 suites and bungalows, many of them featuring private pools and high-end amenities.
Available information suggests that the project far exceeds its originally-planned footprint and may extend beyond approved urban planning boundaries. Local authorities warn that parts of the expansion enter zones under enhanced protection, raising serious concerns about zoning rules, permits, and environmental impact.
Greece’s Milos at center of legal, planning dispute
The Municipality of Milos has filed a formal appeal with the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, challenging the project’s legality. The municipality also submitted a request to suspend construction. However, procedural flaws prevented the suspension from reaching the island’s urban planning authority.
As a result, construction was never stopped and continued uninterrupted. The court later postponed the hearing, leaving the project in a legal gray area while work on site moved forward.
Ministry launches coordinated three-step response
In response, the Ministry of Environment and Energy launched a coordinated three-step intervention plan. The ministry is sending a formal order to the Milos urban planning office, calling for the immediate suspension of construction. At the same time, it has instructed the National Transparency Authority to carry out an on-site investigation into the project’s permits and execution.
The ministry has also sent a formal letter to the Municipality of Milos explaining that the earlier suspension request failed in practice because authorities never properly notified the local planning office. This procedural gap explains why construction continued despite the legal action.
Construction pushes ahead on Greece’s Milos despite pending decisions
While authorities prepare their intervention and await the court’s ruling, construction at the Mytakas site has continued at a rapid pace. Images and video circulating publicly indicate that the current works represent only the first phase of the expansion.
Once completed, the new bungalows and suites are expected to extend close to the shoreline, heightening concerns over permanent changes to the coastal landscape around one of Milos’ most iconic natural landmarks.
Sarakiniko Beach on Milos renowned for 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 a combination of flat rocks and small coves.