Authorities canceled a planned beach party on Polyaigos, an uninhabited islet in Greece’s Cyclades, after organizers began moving sound equipment, tents, furniture and other supplies onto the protected site without the required permits.
The first complaint was filed Friday afternoon. A team from the coast guard, police and the Cyclades Archaeological Service inspected the island and found preparations underway at Kato Mersini beach. A floating platform had also been installed without authorization and was later ordered removed.
Inspectors also found that an unidentified substance had been sprayed in a wetland at the site. Environmental groups raised concerns about possible harm to protected wildlife, including the Mediterranean monk seal, which breeds on the island.
The event was canceled after further intervention by authorities, and organizers began removing the equipment later that day. An inspection team from Greece’s environmental protection agency also visited the island.
Polyaigos is protected under both environmental and archaeological law. The entire island belongs to the European Union’s Natura 2000 network and is a national park. Its beaches are designated as protected “untrodden” beaches, where commercial leasing is prohibited.
Organized events involving more than 10 people and the use of amplified sound are expressly banned under the rules governing the island.
