The government of Greece intends to suspend all building licenses in the caldera zone of Santorini.
Greek authorities included this clause in a draft legislation which will be voted on in Parliament in the coming period.
This decisive move aims to address the growing concerns over environmental issues along with overtourism claims in Santorini.
The draft legislation by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy aims to put a halt to the rapid development of infrastructure on Santorini that could potentially alter the traditional character of the island.
In addition to the building suspension, the Greek government has mandated a comprehensive review of all building permits in the caldera zone by the end of 2024.
The suspension will apply to all new construction and will include swimming pools and building extensions in the caldera area. This is a region globally famous for its breathtaking views as well as its geological significance.
Why did Greece decide to halt construction on Santorini’s Caldera?
The decision comes amid increasing pressure from local authorities and environmental advocates to preserve Santorini’s natural beauty without altering its character any further in favor of tourist development.
Speaking exclusively with Greek Reporter, the Mayor of Greece’s island of Santorini, Nikos Zorzos, explained that he has requested the government to “halt the construction of all types of hotel units, short-term rentals, and especially strategic investments, not only for the Caldera but for the entire island of Santorini.”
He has consistently called for a ban on new hotel units and short-term rentals. The mayoral authorities of Santorini have emphasized the need to limit investments that could exacerbate the island’s infrastructure challenges for years.
Mayor Zorzos argues that the island of Santorini, which spans just 76 square kilometers (29 square miles), can only support a certain amount of building infrastructure.
Since his first term as mayor, in 2011, Zorzos has pleaded with every Greek government to put an end to what he calls “irrational tourist development,” which “consumes the place and reduces its advantage as a destination.”
“When the needs keep increasing, new consecutive problems will build up which we won’t be able to resolve; [this would be] the increasing need for water and electricity, for instance, which we have worked hard to get to their present level, and we keep working on,” Zorzos told Greek Reporter.
Mayor Zorzos has long warned about the dangers of “irrational tourist development” on Greece’s Santorini and the Caldera which he believes ultimately diminishes the island’s appeal as a tourist destination.
