By Viki Tryfona
The hotel investment planned in the Alkyonides Islands, in the eastern part of the Corinthian Gulf, has also received approval from the Ministry of Culture, albeit under conditions, despite the reactions of local bodies and environmental organizations.
Specifically, the company THERMOPSYKTIKI – TECHNIKI S.A. decided that the time had come to develop the Daskalio islet, which has been in its ownership since 1975, for tourism purposes.
The investment and the main characteristics of the project
The investment plan foresees the construction of a five-star hotel unit, with a capacity of 40 beds, with underground spaces and swimming pools, on an area of ??145.9 acres. A pre-approval building permit has already been issued for the project by the Building Service of the Municipality of Loutraki-Perachora-Agioi Theodoroi, while the approval of the Ministry of Culture was recently given, under strict conditions.
Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni set a series of conditions for the implementation of the investment: excavation investigation before the start of the works, recording and highlighting the antiquities that have been identified in the area, the presence of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinth during the construction, as well as underwater archaeological control before the installation of the floating pier.
In addition, the decision provides for tree planting around the photovoltaic systems and expressly prohibits any other intervention in the coastline or marine area without prior approval from the Ministry of Culture. All costs for the archaeological works will be covered by the company.
Area of ??high environmental and geological sensitivity
Daskaleio, together with Zoodochos Pigi, Glaronisi and Prasonisi, form the Alkyonides Islands complex – an area of ??particular ecological value that has been included in the Natura 2000 network (code GR2530007 “Corinthian Gulf”). It is an area with rich biodiversity and rare species of fauna and flora, which remains uninhabited and almost untouched by human activities to this day.
The area, however, is also highly seismic. The Alkyonides were at the epicenter of the major earthquake of February 24, 1981, measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, which caused serious damage to Athens and led to the death of dozens of people. This fact intensifies concerns about the safety and suitability of a large construction in an area known for its geological instability.
Reactions from citizens and environmental organizations
The prospect of tourism development in Alkyonides has provoked strong reactions from local bodies and environmental movements. Since the summer of 2024, the “Movement for the Protection of the Islets” has publicly expressed its disagreement with the project, pointing out that the proposed construction will occupy more than half of the island, irreparably altering its natural character.
In a relevant post on Facebook, the Movement warns that “the tranquility of Alkyonides must not be replaced by excavations, cement, light pollution and garbage”, while emphasizing that the marine area is an ecosystem of European interest that requires strict protection.
The issue has now become a topic of wider discussion, with citizens, scientists and environmental organizations raising questions about whether the tourist development of small islands is consistent with the sustainable development model that has been promoted in recent years.
Development or alteration of the natural landscape?
The case of Daskaleio once again brings to the fore the timeless dilemma between development and preservation of natural heritage. The Alkyonides, a symbol of serenity and untouched beauty, are currently at the crossroads between “development” and protection.
While supporters of the investment speak of a high-quality project that will bring investment interest and jobs, opponents warn that such an intervention will forever change the character of a unique natural landscape. Whether the strict conditions of the Ministry of Culture will prove sufficient to ensure this balance remains an open and critical question.
