The \u2018syrmata\u2019 are single-room structures found on Milos. Small, semi-underground seaside shelters characterized by colorful doors and once used to store boats during the winter, they are among the most iconic images of the island. They exist either as standalone buildings or in groups, usually arranged in a radial layout along the shoreline, following the natural contours of a sheltered bay. They are either fully or partially carved into the earth and are just large enough to store a boat (typically about 6 meters long) during winter. Some had a second floor added to serve as living quarters for the fisherman.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Most of the \u201csyrmata\u201d are located in the northern and eastern parts of Milos, in places such as Aghios Konstantinos, Alogomandra, Empourios, Kaminia, Mandrakia, Mytakas, Pachaina, Provatas, Schinopi, Fyriplaka and Fyropotamos, as well as in the traditional settlements of Klima, Areti and Fourkovouni. In recent years, many have lost their traditional function as boat storage facilities and are being converted into private residences or tourist accommodations, often with incongruous additions such as pergolas, barbecue areas and large glass doors.<\/p>\n
In an effort to halt alterations to these local treasures, the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy has decided to classify them as protected edifices; an initial group of 52 buildings has already received this status.<\/p>\n \u201cThe \u2018syrmata\u2019 are an image closely tied to Milos, a part of the island\u2019s intangible cultural heritage. They are fine examples of local architectural tradition and landmarks of the island,\u201d says Manolis Koutoulakis, General Secretary for the Aegean and Island Policy. \u201cThe first attempt to record and protect them was made many years ago but was never completed. We decided to restart the process recently with the help of the Department for Preserved Buildings and Natural Beauty, due to the growing pressure to turn them into accommodations \u2013 something that leads to the distortion of these structures and the loss of their character. In total, there are 14 closely-knit groups of \u201csyrmata\u201d on Milos (we are not focusing on individual ones), and we\u2019re starting with Mandrakia, one of the best-preserved clusters.\u201d<\/p>\n The decision by the General Secretariat calls for requiring that designated buildings be preserved in their original form (excluding later additions), and that any surrounding features such as pathways, courtyards and stairways be protected as well. Once this designation has been made, any additions to the original layout of the \u201csyrmata\u201d must be removed, and its original appearance restored.<\/p>\n In addition, new interventions \u2013 such as extensions beyond their existing footprint, including new decks or expansions toward the sea \u2013 will not be permitted, and nor will modifications to the surrounding area.<\/p>\n The most significant (and, unsurprisingly, least well-received) aspect is the introduction of strict limits on how the structures can be used. According to the proposal, aside from their original use as boat shelters \u2013 and private residential use where it already existed \u2013 only small local product shops, small cultural venues (e.g., exhibition areas, folk museums or art workshops), and local association offices will be permitted.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be used as accommodations, the \u2018syrmata\u2019 would need to meet the requirements for an EOT (Greek National Tourism Organization) license, which is impossible due to their structure,\u201d Koutoulakis notes.<\/p>\n It should be noted that the initiative does not address ownership status; indeed, the decision specifically refers to the \u201csyrmata\u201d as being of \u201cunknown ownership,\u201d as these are unauthorized constructions located on the seashore.<\/p>\n This article appeared in Greece Is (www.greece-is.com), a Kathimerini publishing initiative.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"milos-a-race-to-protect-the-syrmata0\"](\"https:\/\/www.ekathimerini.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/despina-galani-oZE9lXEuVso-unsplash.jpg?1743920019438\")
![\"milos-a-race-to-protect-the-syrmata2\"](\"https:\/\/www.ekathimerini.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shutterstock_1009875613.jpg?1743920053451\")
\u2018No\u2019 to Airbnb<\/h3>\n