Members of the Delian League

In recent years, we have been mere spectators in a joyless drama. From the decks of ferries and the windows of our hotels to the crowded shores of popular beaches and the tables of upscale nouvelle-cuisine-style tavernas serving ceviche, we watch helplessly as tourism swallows the Cyclades.

Amid fears of imminent inspections and the threat of legal consequences, the idyllic beaches of Plaka, Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios on the Cycladic island of Naxos were emptied of sunbeds and beach furniture. 

The move practically implies that there were either no permits or there were huge violations of the leases.

Unlicensed construction and all manner of violations, transgressions and outright real estate-related crimes have historically been the norm rather than the exception in many parts of the country, especially in areas with a lot of tourism.

Prompted by protests on popular Aegean Sea resort islands, dubbed the "beach-towel revolt," the Greek government said it remains firm in upholding the law and refrains from making concessions. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis emphasized this stance on Skai TV's morning bulletin on Thursday.

The government hopes its decision to double the minimum amount of property purchase at certain prime locations for a Golden Visa to €500,000 will dampen the excessive rally in prices and will make the market more accessible to more people, especially in areas such as Piraeus (photo).

The newly appointed Supreme Court prosecutor has ordered judicial inquiries into reported violations of the public's right of access to the beach, a right that is protected by the Greek Constitution.

A portion of Bozcaada, one of the country's most significant natural beauties and tourist destinations, is being put up for sale due to disagreements over family inheritance.

A court in the northwestern province of Çanakkale announced on July 7 that 33 immovable properties on a total area of 1 million square meters in Bozcaada will be sold by tender.

The Mihalos Foundation, represented by Chairman Peter Mihalos, last weekend signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Elliniko-Argyroupoli mayor and president of the association for the protection of Mount Hymettus, Giannis Konstantatos, for the foundation to implement initiatives concerning island path networks and the protection of the environment, during the Nisyrian Dialogues conference o

More than 250 residents on Paros defied the uncontrolled spread of privately run loungers and umbrellas on the popular Cycladic island's coasts on Sunday, demanding space to put down their towels.

The Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece has long been a tourist hotspot. However, businesses there now seem to be adopting the kind of pricing policies seen on islands such as Mykonos and Santorini. Would-be beachgoers have to book sun beds days ahead and prices in general are skyrocketing.