Greek islands are “dead in winter” after being crowded in summer, according to locals, as Brits are urged to treat resorts with greater reverence and respect.
Iosif Stefanou, an architect, urban planner and professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), spoke to Greek outlet ekathimerini.com.
Discussing the Greek island of Syros in the wake of a backlash over the rise of tourism at nearby islands Santorini and Mykonos, he said: “When I was growing up here after the war, this place was teeming with children and shops; it was self-sufficient.
“Now it only has bars. In summer, it’s crowded with people; in winter, it’s dead. Once, this was a model of coexistence.
“A mother would hear her neighbour’s baby crying and would run there first. Now most houses are closed for most of the year because they’ve been bought by foreigners or Athenians.
“Fortunately, most of them respected and saved the houses. Many of the locals think about easy profit, which is why only bars have sprung up recently.
“They don’t understand they’re cutting the branch they’re sitting on. They see Mykonos on the horizon and envy it, but they don’t learn from its current state.”
Aristos Vamvakousis, a local music teacher, also shared his insights with the media: “We are fighting, and as long as such efforts exist, Syros won’t become just a tourist destination.”
He highlighted the cultural vibrancy of the area, saying: “There are many theatre groups, dance groups, sports clubs, and groups of people who fight to provide variety and stimuli during the months outside the summer season. That’s what saves us, life in the winter,” reports Birmingham Live.
He also expressed concerns about the off-season challenges: “After October, you can hardly find a taverna to eat in,” he said.
“The reason is that catering businesses are now owned after the Covid pandemic by non-locals who don’t care about keeping the shops open during the difficult months.”
Another local added their perspective on the community spirit: “We have quite a few permanent residents from abroad and from Athens who have blended well with the island.
“They choose it because we have an airport, daily ferry connections, and a hospital. It’s a safe place; we leave the keys in the door, and the 20,000 residents keep the place alive all seasons.”
They also touched upon the unique appeal of Syros: “Beyond that, Syros has its history and culture, which is its ‘armor’ because it attracts more discerning people and not just those who want a holiday home.
“In recent years, however, there’s been a change happening across the Cyclades that, if not halted, will cause the situation to fall apart.”
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