Koufonisia: Reactions over potential “Mykonos-style overdevelopment”

Strong reactions were expressed at the Municipal Council of Naxos and Small Cyclades during the session of March 11, 2026, in the context of the consultation for the preparation of the study “Special Urban Plan (S.U.P.) for the islands of Koufonisia, Irakleia, Schinoussa and Donoussa”.

The focus was placed, in particular, on the urban planning framework and building regulations, a key factor for the development of large hotel units in Koufonisia. Local authorities opposed this, stressing that there is a risk of altering the island’s character. At the same time, they called for a drastic reduction in the scale of tourist constructions, in order to preserve its identity and maintain distance from other development models such as that of Mykonos.

Notably, the Deputy Mayor of Koufonisia, Antonis Kovaeos, stated that “according to the objectives of the SUP, the development model promoted for Koufonisia places tourism at its core, attempting to limit its mass version, adopting the modernization of the existing tourism product and its alignment with special-interest tourism such as agrotourism. I would like to stress that the SUP’s approach must not mistakenly focus on a model of classical tourism homogenization, with the modernization of the tourism product through the creation of large 4* and 5* hotel units of 30 to 50 beds with high requirements, as these are not compatible with the morphology, character and particularly small scale of Koufonisia. These disproportionate and impersonal investments mainly attract external capital, marginalizing local entrepreneurship based on small-scale, mild investments, while at the same time degrading the existing tourism product and undermining the environment,” he emphasized.

A central proposal is the significant reduction of permitted construction in out-of-plan areas. From approximately 1,500 sq.m currently allowed, a reduction to 400 sq.m per plot is proposed, with an additional 100 sq.m exclusively for auxiliary uses such as reception areas or small shops. The regulation concerns properties larger than 8 stremmas and aims to preserve small-scale development.

At the same time, the construction of only ground-floor buildings is proposed, with the abolition of additional floors outside urban plans, in order to limit bulky structures that burden the natural landscape.

Abolition of swimming pools

Particular emphasis is also placed on specific tourist infrastructure. Among other measures, the complete abolition of swimming pools—both private and shared—in tourist accommodations is proposed, as well as a ban on the creation of “clubbing”-type hotel complexes and organized camping sites on Ano Koufonisi.

In the same spirit, strengthening small-scale hospitality is encouraged. A slight increase in permitted construction for self-catering accommodations, such as rental rooms, is proposed—from 200 sq.m to 250 sq.m—as a form of development more compatible with the island’s identity.

Similar interventions are also being examined for areas within urban plans, where either a reduction in building allowances for hotels is proposed (e.g. from 600 sq.m per stremma to around 400 sq.m), or even the complete abolition of their construction, with emphasis instead on residences and small accommodations.

These interventions are part of a broader strategy of “mild and sustainable development”, which prioritizes the protection of the natural environment, resources and social cohesion. The aim, as highlighted, is to avoid transforming Koufonisia into a mass, impersonal tourist destination.

Preserving authenticity

As emphasized, the international appeal of Koufonisia has been based on its authenticity, simplicity and human scale. A shift toward large-scale investments, according to these assessments, carries the risk of losing this comparative advantage.

At the same time, strong socio-economic concerns were expressed. It was noted that large investments are mainly linked to external capital, which could limit the role of local entrepreneurship—based on small, family-run businesses—and affect the cohesion and way of life of the local community.