Large parts of Aegean isles designated as forestland

Large expanses on Aegean islands of the Cyclades chain are designated as forestland areas according to relevant state maps.

However, there are also large differences between the islands in terms of areas designated as forestland.

The map designation and the disparities between the islands are expected to bring a wave of disputes between private land owners and the state.

The largest percentage of forestland areas in the Cyclades is recorded on the small islands of Irakleia and Koufonisia (79.7%), Donoussa (69.1% and Schinoussa (44.2%).

In stark contrast, popular tourist destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos – the two most expensive islands as far as buying property is concerned – have no forestland.

On Naxos, which is the largest Cycladic island, 52.8% of its area is designated as forestland, compared to 42.7% on Andros, the second largest.