A new study on Athens' tourism capacity reveals growing pressures on the city's infrastructure, highlighting "tourism fragility" in highly saturated neighborhoods. With year-round visitor influx impacting waste, energy, and water resources, the study calls for proactive measures, including the establishment of a Sustainable Tourism Observatory, to balance growth and quality of life.
Tag: urban planning
Greece proposes a 30 km/h speed limit in urban areas to improve road safety, reduce noise and air pollution, mirroring successful initiatives in other European cities. While challenges remain regarding enforcement and driver behavior, the initiative is supported by the UN and WHO and aims to significantly reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
Greece's highest court, the Council of State, has invalidated new building regulation provisions that allowed increased building heights and density, ruling them unconstitutional. While nullifying these provisions, the court emphasized legal certainty by allowing already issued permits and ongoing projects to continue. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional principles regarding environmental protection and urban planning.
The Municipality of Papagos-Cholargos is set to transform Messogeion Avenue with a major redevelopment project aimed at improving accessibility, expanding public space, and boosting local businesses. Stretching over 2 km, the bioclimatic regeneration of this busy corridor will enhance traffic flow, create new parking spaces, and serve as a model for urban renewal in Athens. Mayor Elias Apostolopoulos emphasized the importance of community involvement, with public consultations and design presentations scheduled for December. The project promises to redefine the area and improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
The Greek government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the urban planning and building licensing process, aimed at significantly reducing waiting times and increasing efficiency. New measures will streamline procedures for smaller and larger developments, with permits for up to two residences issued in 40 working days and larger projects processed within 80 working days starting March 2025. The initiative also aims to focus regulatory efforts on more complex developments and expedite existing application backlogs.
Santorini Follows Mykonos: Stricter Building Restrictions Proposed to Protect Landscape and Heritage
Santorini is set to follow Mykonos in adopting strict building restrictions to protect its iconic landscape and heritage. A proposed Special Urban Plan includes increased plot size requirements, a building ban in the Caldera, and designated zones for agriculture and sustainable tourism. The plan aims to curb overdevelopment while promoting balanced growth and preserving the island’s unique character.
Mykonos is set to implement stricter urban planning regulations with the proposed Special Urban Plan, which includes significant restrictions on construction for both housing and tourist accommodation. The plan aims to protect the island’s landscape while addressing infrastructure needs, such as water supply and waste management. It also proposes the creation of protected zones and limits on building sizes, particularly in high-demand tourist areas. As local stakeholders voice their concerns, the plan aims to balance tourism development with environmental preservation, with a public consultation period opening today.
Today marks the 120th anniversary of the death of Hellenic Army officer Pavlos Melas, one of the most important war heroes in Macedonia’s struggle for freedom. We will always honor the pure patriot, the ardent warrior, the symbol of the Macedonian Struggle. Born in Marseilles, France, he dedicated his life to liberating Northern Greece from Ottoman and Bulgarian control. His legacy as a national hero continues to inspire, with a new park in Thessaloniki set to honor his memory.
Athens and Thessaloniki will soon welcome quieter, cleaner streets with the deployment of 89 electric garbage trucks from Mitsubishi Fuso. The eCanter trucks, equipped with innovative noise-reducing refuse bodies, mark a major step towards sustainable urban living in Greece.
Athens' sidewalk safety issues have once again hit international headlines, with The Guardian highlighting the city's persistent struggles with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. Uneven pavements and illegal parking pose significant hazards for both locals and tourists, prompting calls for a comprehensive overhaul of urban mobility and accessibility measures.
A controversial mega-tourist village, boasting villas larger than the island's two main settlements combined, has been greenlit for Astypalaia, sparking outrage and concern for the island's future...This development casts a shadow over Astypalaia's future, highlighting the conflict between mass tourism and preserving the unique character of vulnerable destinations.
Greece ranks among the lowest in the European Union for online civic engagement, according to…
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation recently introduced The Ellinikon, Europe's largest urban renewal project, to Australia through a series of events in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Darwin. Nearly 400 attendees, including business leaders and government representatives, learned about the AU$13 billion development transforming the former Athens International Airport into a sustainable, cutting-edge urban environment.
The illustrious past of Cassope, an ancient city nestled in the verdant slopes, unfolds anew…
In a groundbreaking development, Lamda Development's ambitious project for Ellinikon, situated on the southern coast…
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has penned an open letter to Minister of Environment and Energy…
Ioanna Dimitringiou, a resident of Athens, expressed her frustration with the lack of pedestrian accessibility…
Residents of the Athens district of Exarchia demanded to cancel a free concert by the…