Milos: Ministry Suspends 5-star Hotel Construction Near Sarakiniko Beach

Sarakiniko Beach on Milos. Photo source: Milos Municipality

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy has ordered the suspension of construction of a five-star hotel near iconic Sarakiniko Beach on Milos, pending a legal review of the building permit. The directive was issued to the island’s planning office to halt all work until the permit’s validity is fully assessed.

The decision follows public outcry from local residents over the planned development in an untouched coastal area known for its striking white volcanic rock formations and caves. The site, while not under special environmental protection, is widely regarded as a natural landmark of exceptional beauty.

The ministry’s Secretary General of the Urban Planning Department has also requested that the Independent Transparency Authority conduct an official review of the hotel’s building permit (No. 1134683/25-07-2024), which was granted by the island’s planning office.

Hotel project at a landmark site

The permit allows for the construction of a luxury hotel complex featuring villas with private pools. The proposed development spans 2,974 square meters and is located within walking distance of the beach.

According to the permit, the company Unique Developments was set to build a two-story hotel with a basement and swimming pools in the Kaminia area of Milos.

“We cannot accept such a development in this location,” said Environment Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, confirming that all construction will remain suspended until the permit’s conditions are clarified and inspections are completed.

Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis. Photo source: Environment and Energy Ministry

Local reactions and legal actions

Prior to the suspension, initial excavation work had already begun, raising concerns about potential damage to the pristine volcanic landscape.

Milos Mayor Manolis Mikelis, responding to public concern, clarified that while construction permits are issued by the municipality’s planning office, the office’s role is procedural—verifying the validity of applications rather than evaluating their content.

Mayor Mikelis has instructed the municipality’s legal department to challenge the permit in court. At the same time, local resident groups are also preparing legal appeals against the project.

Future urban planning for Milos

According to the environment ministry, a new Special Spatial Plan for the Municipality of Milos is currently in development. The plan, part of a broader spatial frmework, will include clear guidelines for engineers to ensure the preservation of the island’s landscape and natural environment, including areas like Sarakiniko.

One of Greece’s most renowned coastal landscapes, Sarakiniko is famous for its smooth white volcanic rock formations shaped by wave erosion. The beach has been internationally recognized, ranking as the seventh most beautiful place on the planet according to Condé Nast Traveller.