Mykonos, Greece.
The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy recently announced the results of a series of inspections aimed at detecting illegal construction activity on the popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
The inspections were carried out by auditors from the Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the Financial Crimes Unit of the Ministry of Finance. Following their findings, the Greek government is set to strictly enforce a law passed in 2024 that targets unauthorized development, particularly new illegal structures.
According to the ministry, for the first time in Greece’s history, illegal buildings will face immediate demolition as a top priority, putting an end to the lengthy legal battles that have, in the past, resulted in the retroactive legalization of such constructions.
Commitment to urban planning and fairness
Energy and Environment Ministry Theodoros Skylakakis.
Announcing the results, Greek Minister for the Environment and Energy Theodoros Skylakakis highlighted the government’s firm stance against new illegal developments.
“If we allow illegal construction to continue, we will never be able to implement a serious urban planning policy,” Skylakakis said. “Even more importantly, ongoing inaction and tolerance over time show profound disrespect toward the millions of law-abiding citizens and businesses that follow environmental, construction, and planning regulations.”
High-tech monitoring system on the way
In parallel with on-site inspections, the ministry is rolling out a 130-million-euro high-tech monitoring system, expected to become operational in summer 2026. This system will use continuous satellite imaging combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect illegal construction activity nationwide.
By cross-referencing satellite images with data from the e-Construction Permits platform and other official records, the system will automatically flag unauthorized structures, providing authorities with real-time alerts.
Focused inspections in high-risk tourism zones
Milos, Greece.
While the national monitoring system is being developed, targeted inspections will continue — with particular focus on Greece’s most sought-after islands, where high tourism demand often drives illegal construction of villas, pools, and luxury accommodations.
Recent inspections on Santorini and Mykonos revealed numerous violations, including cases where properties significantly exceeded their permitted square footage and instances of unauthorized swimming pools and jacuzzis.
In one case, auditors found a property licensed for 200 square meters had expanded illegally by an additional 208.7 square meters — essentially doubling its size. Another property owner was fined nearly 460,000 euros for similar violations.
According to the Environment Ministry, regular public updates on inspection results will be provided, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and ongoing compliance monitoring across the country.
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