Santorini’s Caldera Zone to Face Construction Freeze Under New Legislation

Santorini, Greece.

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy is poised to implement a freeze on all construction activities in the Caldera zone of Santorini and on the island of Therassia, according to a draft law currently under public review.

Thε freeze will affect not only new construction but also the expansion of existing structures and the addition of swimming pools. Additionally, all tourist businesses operating within the Caldera zone, including hotels and restaurants, will be required to conduct structural capacity studies within the next two years. The local city planning office will also review the validity of all building permits issued in the Caldera area over the past five years by the end of 2024.

The measures are a response to what is described as severe construction congestion in the Caldera zone, including both legal and illegal developments, with a particular concern over the proliferation of swimming pools.

The proposed construction freeze is part of a new draft law from the Ministry of Environment, based on a 1990 law amended in 2012, aimed at protecting the island’s architectural integrity and overall environment.

According to Ministry of Environment sources, the measures are deemed necessary not only due to recent landslides but also because of concerns that the weight of swimming pools could impact the stability of the ground.