Home News Europa Nostra and EIB Institute release report on the Cycladic Islands, Greece

Europa Nostra and EIB Institute release report on the Cycladic Islands, Greece

March 05, 2025 | Posted in 7 Most Endangered

In a technical report published today, experts from Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute highlight the great threats posed by overdevelopment and tourism-driven pressures on the Cycladic Islands, notably Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros. This complex of islands was listed among the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2024, following a nomination made by Elliniki Etairia – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage.

The Cycladic Islands, renowned for their whitewashed houses, dry-stone walls, archaeological sites, and pristine natural beauty, are facing unprecedented challenges from intensive tourism, unregulated construction, and gentrification. The report, prepared by experts from Europa Nostra and the EIB Institute, stresses the urgent need for adopting sustainable planning policies to prevent irreversible damage to the islands’ exceptional and authentic character.

The technical report details the detrimental impact of mass tourism, the proliferation of secondary residences, and the strain on local resources, particularly water and waste management systems. It provides a set of key recommendations, including stricter regulations on construction, sustainable tourism development, improved spatial planning, and greater collaboration between local authorities and civil society to safeguard the islands’ future.

The report was prepared on the basis of the outcomes of an expert mission conducted between 18 and 23 October 2024. The mission team included Jimmy Jamar, Executive Vice-President of Europa Nostra; Paolo Vitti and Dimitris Leventis, both architects and Board Members of Europa Nostra; David Castrillo, Architect and Adviser to the EIB Institute; and Constantin Christofidis, Adviser to the EIB Institute. The experts met with local officials, community representatives, and state authorities, gathering crucial insights on the islands’ challenges.

During the mission, the team had exchanges of views with key figures, including the mayors of Serifos, Sifnos, and Folegandros, as well as local associations and representatives of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Tourism. The discussions emphasised the urgent need for effective governance, responsible land use policies, and investment in critical infrastructure, such as water conservation and sustainable transport solutions.

The report strongly advocates for the adoption of tailored spatial planning policies that respect the carrying capacity of each island, enforce stricter building regulations, and encourage alternative, sustainable tourism models that prioritise cultural heritage preservation over mass commercialisation. It also highlights the need for affordable housing policies to support local communities and ensure that young residents and essential workers can continue living on the islands.

The inclusion of the Cycladic Islands in the 7 Most Endangered list 2024 has brought renewed attention to these pressing issues, mobilising local stakeholders and international organisations to work towards sustainable solutions. The full technical report provides a roadmap for action, calling for immediate intervention to prevent further degradation and ensure the long-term viability of the Cycladic Islands as vibrant cultural and natural landscapes.