Construction work for the expansion of the luxury White Coast resort in Mytakas, near Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, continues at full speed. Despite public outcry and interventions from authorities, the owner company has not halted the development, which threatens the island’s unique natural landscape.

Public and Local Authority Opposition

• The Municipality of Milos has submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Environment and Energy to immediately halt the expansion. However, no action has been taken.
• Local residents are actively protesting against the destruction of the protected coastal area.
• The project is being developed within a designated wildlife refuge under Law 3937/2011, an off-plan zone that should not allow such construction.

The Scale of Expansion

• The 5-star White Coast is set to increase from 30 to 171 suites.
• Swimming pools covering 2,000m² will be built within a 29,421m² plot.
• The construction continues despite negative recommendations from:
  • The Cyclades Regional Agricultural Economy Directorate
  • The Environmental Committee of the Municipality of Milos

Controversial Permit Approval

The Environmental Impact Study was rejected by the Municipality of Milos on January 26, 2024. However, on August 5, 2024, the Deputy General Director of Spatial and Environmental Policy at the Aegean Decentralized Administration approved the project, allowing construction to proceed just meters from the shoreline.

Concerns Over Environmental Impact

• The arid ecosystem of Sarakiniko and Mytakas is at risk due to massive tourism development.
• The first building permit was issued in 2019, with multiple revisions, extending its validity until December 31, 2025.

The controversy continues, as citizens and environmental groups demand an immediate stop to the irreversible destruction of one of Greece’s most iconic landscapes.