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The regulations regarding vehicles on Hydra and Spetses are set to become stricter, as both islands operate under unique vehicle circulation rules. Following a surge of complaints and viral images on social media showing cars, motorcycles, and vans flooding the islands, a comprehensive meeting was held today at the Maximos Mansion aimed at curbing this uncontrolled situation.
On Saturday night, the Coast Guard in Hydra arrested a 62-year-old man driving a small truck in the Hydra Port’s terrestrial zone without any disembarkation or circulation permit. In its announcement, the Coast Guard reported the truck was confiscated until the necessary permits are obtained.
It’s important to note that in Hydra, which is recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and cultural significance, the circulation of all motor vehicles—including bicycles—is completely prohibited, with few exceptions for essential needs of residents. In contrast, Spetses has more exceptions concerning vehicle permits within the main urban area and the rest of the island.
However, recent days have seen a noticeable disregard for these restrictions, leading to a flood of vehicles on both islands, provoking frustration and protests among local residents and many visitors.
Discussions at the Meeting in Maximos Mansion
The focal point of the extensive meeting was establishing a framework for the regulation and control of vehicle circulation on both islands, which are subject to special protective measures. Decisions were made to tighten regulations aimed at preserving their unique identities.
Attendees included the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni; the Attica Regional Governor, Nikos Hardalias; the Minister of State, Akis Skertsos; the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, Panagiotis Stathis; the Secretary-General of Shipping, Evangelos Kyriacopoulos; the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister, Stelios Koutnatzis; and the Mayors of Hydra and Spetses.
Regarding Hydra, the meeting concluded that the existing protective framework—following stricter recent amendments by the Ministry of Culture—sufficiently addresses the preservation of the island’s unique character. However, stricter enforcement and regulation were deemed necessary.
Creation of an Open Digital Registry and a Reporting Line for Hydra
As a result, it was decided to establish a special open digital registry that will be regularly updated to inform citizens about vehicles authorized to operate on the island by the Ministry of Culture, as well as to create a dedicated reporting line to the Hellenic Police and Coast Guard for vehicles operating without permits, aimed at expediting inspections.
Study by NTUA for Spetses
In Spetses, where more exceptions exist regarding vehicle permits, concerns were raised that over the years, the number of vehicles has increased, altering the island’s character and the special protective measures originally intended by the legislation.
With the agreement of the Mayor, a special evaluation study on the island’s vehicle capacity has been commissioned from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Following the study’s completion (scheduled for June 15, 2025), a working group will be formed to recommend further tightening of regulations to safeguard the identity of Spetses, limiting the circulation of vehicles to truly necessary exceptions.
