Beautiful Greek island where locals worry it could become ‘another Santorini’ | World | News

Locals living on a butterfly shaped Greek island that boasts whitewashed villages, deep blue sea waters and sun-drenched beaches are fearing tourism could ruin their quaint town.

Located in the Aegean Sea between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese sits Astypalaia where the beaches are uncrowded and untouched.

The island is often hailed as a hidden gem thanks to its rich cultural heritage and blue-domed churches that dot the stunning landscape.

Despite Astypalaia being nearly 50 miles east of Santorini locals are now fearing their non-touristy island could be ruined by an influx of visitors.

Large tourist facilities have started to appear on the island, something alien to an island where tourism remains a family affair and always on a small scale alongside the opening of new roads.

Tasos Kontaratos, an Astypalaia local who works as a teacher, believes there is “concern on the island” amongst locals fearing overtourism.

He said: “Our fear is that we must not attract large investment companies, the ones we see having overrun the Cyclades.

“Most people do not seek easy profit, and it’s natural that information about tourist villages and large hotels causes unrest.”

Locals have been rocked by a proposal to create a 25,000 sq.m. settlement on a 2,000-hectare plot.

Mayor, Nikos Komineas, sought information from the Environment Ministry but received a negative response.

According to the mayor, the increase in construction activity on the island comes “from within” with Astypalaia also attracting interest from the United Arab Emirates.

Michalis Lalos, owner of an antiques shop in Astypalaia, admits he is “worried where the island is heading”.

“In the last five years, a change has begun that is evolving rapidly”, said Mr Lalos.

He continued: “There is intense building activity, roads are being opened, and there is an effort to exploit every beach. In Tzanaki, for example, a road was opened to the coast [partly destroying the footpath that led there until last year].

“We constantly hear about Pachia Ammos, Panormos, and various other parts of the island.”