Santorini municipality files complaint over illegal beach bar construction

The Municipality of Thira has lodged a formal complaint with authorities, including the Land and Cyclades Services, the Greek Police, and the Naxos Public Prosecutor's Office, over illegal constructions at a beach bar in Vlychada, Santorini. The establishment, located on the coast and beach area known as "Chanas," has been operating for over 15 years.

Approximately six months ago, the business was acquired by a major foreign company involved in the cruise industry on the island. According to Georgina Nomikou, president of the Municipal Council of Thira, travelers arriving on cruise ships are transported by bus to this location, advertised as a private club for dining and drinking before returning to their ships. Nomikou expressed concern over the significant interventions that are altering the unique geological formations of the Vlychada area.

“

The travelers who come with the company's cruise ships to the port of Fira are transported by bus to the point advertised as a private club to eat and drink and then return to the ship. The Vlychada area is unique in its geomorphology and the intervention that has been made is very large.

An engineer's report accompanying the municipality's complaint highlights that most of the constructions are situated within the 15-meter beach zone and one is even within the 100-meter coastline zone, as stipulated by a 1990 Presidential Decree. This decree prohibits construction in areas outside the plan within these zones. The report states these are blatant violations of the law. Concerns have also been raised about how the sale of the business proceeded, given the limited staff at the Cyclades Land Service, which is responsible for all Cycladic islands.

“

Most of the constructions are within the beach zone and one is even within the coastline zone, which is prohibited by a Presidential Decree from 1990. These are blatant violations of the law.