Abandoned Naxos hotel demolition begins after 50 years of legal battles
A long-abandoned hotel in Alyko, Naxos, is finally being torn down after decades of legal battles. The demolition, which started in late October, marks the only major removal of its kind in the Cyclades and Dodecanese this year. Locals and officials now see a chance to restore the protected coastal area it occupied for nearly 50 years.
The building's troubled history dates back to the mid-1960s, when a Belgian company first tried to develop the cedar forest in Alyko. Construction halted in the 1970s after legal challenges from three civil servants and a lawyer. Despite the stoppage, the unfinished structure remained standing—until now.
The demolition was ordered in 2021, though calls for its removal had existed for over 20 years. Work began a week ago, with a six-month deadline for completion. This is the only major demolition carried out by the Decentralised Administration of the Aegean in 2025, following last year's removal of around 1,200 illegal structures across the Cyclades and Dodecanese. Islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, and Rhodes saw the most enforcement as part of wider environmental and planning crackdowns.
Once cleared, the municipality plans to secure the site with fencing and controlled access. A horticultural study will also guide reforestation efforts, aiming to return the area to its natural state.
The removal of the Alyko building opens the door for ecological recovery in a long-disrupted landscape. With reforestation and stricter access controls planned, the project could set a precedent for protecting similar areas. The six-month timeline means visible changes should arrive by mid-2025.
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