Among the most controversial projects are two large resorts – one within a protected habitat of the endangered Milos viper (Macrovipera lebetinus schweizeri) and another featuring 125 private pools, one for each room.
Many new hotels list 99 beds, just below the 100-bed threshold that would require more stringent environmental reviews.
Building permits have already been granted for 22 hotels, with eight classified as five-star. An additional 12 projects have received preliminary approval, while 11 have secured simplified environmental permits. Four more hotels are at the earliest stages of planning.
Milos currently has 43 hotels with 1,781 beds. If all projects move forward, the island’s capacity will soar to 4,455 beds within a few years. The surge began in 2022 and accelerated through 2023 and 2024.
The construction spree has raised environmental concerns. One major project, a five-star resort in Ammoudaraki, is being built within a Natura 2000 protected zone. It started as a smaller development but has expanded significantly. Some developers have been accused of splitting larger projects into smaller ones to bypass stricter environmental regulations. One Israeli-backed company has reportedly used different corporate structures to develop four separate hotels.
Local officials and environmental groups remain divided. Proponents argue that the expansion will boost tourism, while critics warn of overdevelopment and ecological damage. With construction already under way, Milos is at a crossroads between rapid growth and preserving its unique character.
Giorgos Lialios
