A proposed luxury hotel inside a Natura 2000 protected area on Milos has reignited debate over the island’s future development. The project, a five-star hotel with spa by Milos Collection SA, would cover 8.9 stremata (0.89 hectares) in Provatas and include 31 rooms, 94 beds and private pools. Plans feature a tertiary wastewater system for irrigation reuse, water tanks filled by desalination trucks, and two wells.

The municipal council unanimously opposed the plan in August, citing high water demands. But the South Aegean Region’s Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (NECCA) issued positive opinions.

Company CEO Christos Oikonomopoulos said the project “will fully respect the environment and architecture of the island” and create jobs.

Local activists, recalling the Sarakiniko hotel case, called for a halt to all permits until new urban plans are completed. “We are at a crossroads,” said Babis Bilinis of the Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET).