Santorini landmark at risk

"What's happening in Vlychada is a crime. Geological formations that are thousands of years old are being destroyed and not just by illegal but also legal construction," warns Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos. "If we want to salvage something of Santorini, we need to stop building on it."

The anger expressed by the mayor of one of Greece's most famous holiday islands is perfectly justified. Just a short distance from the archaeological site of the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, Vlychada is one of the island's most popular beaches thanks to its striking volcanic rock formations.

For decades, Vlychada was spared the building frenzy that gripped so many other parts of the island and had managed to retain its unique charm, until a few years ago when four hotels started building in the area. Not long after they went up, the hotels started bending construction laws and...