The Skíathos Municipality, as reported by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), has executed the Administrative Eviction Protocol and removed the unauthorized interventions of the hotel complex, with the presence of a Court Bailiff and members of the Municipal Authority.
Following court rulings and the removal of the prohibitive barriers that restricted access to visitors and tourists, the entire area, covering 15,350 square meters, is now open, free, and accessible to all.
The Background of the Land Encroachment
The land encroachment, located in an area of exceptional natural beauty, right on the Koukunaries Beach, began in 2018, coinciding with the opening of the five-star hotel complex. The areas that were encroached upon and have now been returned to the municipality of Skíathos include public green spaces, parking areas, roads leading to the "Ampelakia" beach, outdoor sports facilities, and public gathering spaces. These areas are now registered in 13 new property titles (KAEK) in the Land Registry.
The Struggle for the Restoration of Public Land
The municipality of Skíathos embarked on a long battle in 2019, with coordinated efforts in collaboration with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) and the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, which led to the transfer of the land parcels to the municipality’s ownership in 2022. The next step was the drafting of the Administrative Eviction Protocol in 2023, and despite numerous challenges and disputes within the municipal council, especially from the opposition, the protocol was approved on February 23, 2024. The hotel management tried to halt the process by appealing to the Skopelos Regional Court, but their requests for injunctions and suspensions were rejected, clearing the way for the execution of the protocol.
At the same time, the municipality worked closely with the General Secretariat for Public Property to establish special regulations for the use of public spaces. The relevant draft law was approved by the municipal council on July 30, 2024, and published in the Government Gazette on December 31, 2024.
Statements from Local Authorities
Skíathos Mayor Theodoros Tzoumas stated to AMNA, "The adherence to legality is a duty for all and an uncompromising principle of the policy implemented by the Municipal Authority, which aims for harmonious cooperation between the municipality, agencies, and private parties. We will continue fighting to protect the rights and lands of the Municipality. We will continue fighting to defend the interests of the citizens because we love our homeland, and that is what we swore upon our appointment to the Municipal Authority."
The Deputy Mayor of Skíathos for Tourism, Alekos Efstathiou, emphasized, "After great efforts, our actions, and above all, the island itself, are vindicated. The land belongs to the municipality and was unlawfully encroached upon. Adhering to legality is a duty for everyone. We will continue to fight to defend the rights and lands of the municipality because we love our homeland. We welcome investments in Skíathos, but with respect for the island and its people."
Upcoming Developments for the Area
Following the recent developments and the return of the 15.5 acres of land in the Koukunaries area to the Municipality of Skíathos, the parking areas for hundreds of cars will be operational again from the current tourist season. The road leading to the "Ampelakia" beach, which had been accessible only by sea in recent years, will be reopened. The tennis courts of the hotel complex will be removed and converted into public spaces, and the entire western side of Koukunaries will be fully redeveloped.
The large hotel complex in Skíathos also operates in neighboring areas, where it has placed a restrictive barrier on the road leading to the famous beaches of Megali and Mikri Banana. The municipality of Skíathos, through statements by the mayor, affirms that it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure free access to the beaches and to protect public lands.
