The much-discussed problem of illegal construction on Greece’s beaches is unfortunately not limited to Mykonos and the Cyclades, but also affects other important island destinations, especially the island of Rhodes in the southeastern Aegean, writes Kathimerini.

It is telling that of the more than 650 demolition notices issued by the local authority for unlicensed buildings on the waterfront, only one has been enforced. This state of affairs has led, especially in the last two years, to growing frustration with local authorities, as the zoning, archeology and forestry departments find themselves with their hands tied.

One of the most striking examples is Glystra on the east coast of the island, about 55 kilometers south of Rhodes Town. The beach was little known among tourists, as a favorite of local residents. In addition, its designation as an archaeological site and forested area protected it from brutal human intervention.

However, at the beginning of 2019, an illegal canteen with a terrace, chairs and tables was installed at one end of the beach. Then, in February 2021, construction began on a much larger building at the other end of the beach. After these violations came to the attention of the authorities, the inspection revealed that almost 1,000 square meters were “confiscated”.

A demolition order was issued in June of the same year, while the Rhodes Town Planning Authority and the Dodecanese Forestry Authority issued similar orders, but to no avail. The sand dunes were leveled, the cedars were cut down, and the beach bar was operating as usual. In February 2022, after the continuation of construction, the construction authority issued another protocol. And in May of last year, another notice was issued about the termination of work on asphalting the road to the beach.

However, this year the beach bar is working as usual again, writes the Greek publication.