Tourism development and environmental management of the island’s beaches have taken center stage in the political debate following the release of this year’s «Blue Flag» list, from which Kythira is absent for yet another year. In a scathing press release (May 28, 2026), the municipal faction «Free Kythira» launched a harsh critique of the Municipal Authority and the Local Property Committee (EEPKA), citing «complete indifference» and a lack of planning. The press release follows:
BLUE FLAG
On May 14, 2026, the list of the country’s award-winning beaches was announced as part of the internationally recognized «Blue Flag» program. Unfortunately, for yet another year, no beach on Kythira was included among Greece’s award-winning beaches.
This is neither a coincidence nor a misfortune. On the contrary, it is yet another confirmation of what we, as a coalition, have been publicly pointing out for the past three years. The complete indifference of the Kythira Municipal Authority (as owners) and the Kythira and Antikythira Local Property Authority (as managers) toward issues of tourism development, the organization and promotion of our region, as well as their operation without substantive planning or environmental sensitivity. They couldn’t even be bothered to address these issues.
The «Blue Flag» is not just an honorary distinction. In recent years, it has become an international symbol of quality and reliability for a tourist destination. It is directly linked to water quality, beach management, swimmer safety, accessibility, and proper environmental management.
At the same time, it serves as an important tool for promoting tourism, as it builds trust among visitors, families, older adults, as well as foreign tourism markets and tour operators, who now place particular value on such certifications.
Throughout Greece, municipalities are striving to obtain and make the most of Blue Flags as a means of boosting the local economy and enhancing their image as tourist destinations. In Kythira, however, the municipal government appears to view such initiatives as secondary or insignificant. Unfortunately, the current administration has demonstrated that it has neither a plan nor a genuine interest in supporting local entrepreneurship and upgrading the island’s tourism sector.
And to set the record straight, at organized and popular beaches on Kythira—such as Kapsali, Agia Pelagia, Diakofti, Paleopolis, and others—where, objectively speaking, the criteria for a Blue Flag could be met—the municipal authorities have never shown any real interest or taken any initiative, while on the island’s inaccessible and legally protected beaches, instead of ensuring strict protection of the natural environment, it allows the EEPKA to act arbitrarily and destroy the environment.
The Position of Free Kythira: A policy of gradual intervention in the natural landscape, catering to all types of visitors. From fully developed beaches eligible for Blue Flag certification to secluded beaches with unspoiled natural beauty and zero human intervention. We want them all on our island—we just need to attract them.
Kythira boasts unique natural beauty and beaches of exceptional beauty. What is unfortunately lacking, however, is the political will, planning, and commitment needed for our island to take its rightful place on the country’s tourism map.
