The supermarket chain Kritikos S.A. has announced plans to open two new stores — one in Hydra, one in Spetses — right in the heart of their historic harbors. The move has caused an uproar among residents, local authorities, and preservationists, who warn that such developments could irreversibly damage the unique cultural and architectural character of the two islands.

Historic Locations at Risk

In Hydra, the company has leased three adjoining listed buildings, totaling about 500 m², located directly on the island’s waterfront. These buildings, dating back to before 1831, are part of Greece’s protected monuments.

In Spetses, the situation is equally sensitive. Kritikos has purchased an 800 m² property right next to the neoclassical mansion of national benefactor Sotirios Anargyros — the very man who donated the famous Anargyreios and Korgialenios School of Spetses. Ironically, while restoration works on the Anargyros mansion have just begun with a €2.5 million budget from the Region of Attica, a supermarket is being planned right next door.

Local Opposition and Alarm

Residents in both islands have mobilized. They argue that large supermarkets are completely incompatible with small, historic harbors where donkeys, not trucks, are the main form of transport. In Hydra, people fear the visual and cultural disruption of pallets, deliveries, and signage dominating the harbor view. In Spetses, locals worry about heavy traffic and the loss of character in the island’s main street.

The Mayor of Spetses, Eugenia Fragkia, stated firmly:

“Entrepreneurship must respect the quality and unique identity of our island. We will not allow interventions that threaten to alter the cultural and historical character of Spetses.”

Legal Battles and Technicalities

Kritikos has faced difficulties obtaining installation permits — especially in Hydra. The municipality has so far refused approval, citing heritage protection laws. In response, the company has filed formal complaints and even threatened lawsuits, insisting it plans not a “supermarket” but a delicatessen-style grocery store.

Critics, however, are unconvinced. They suspect the company is trying to “slice up” the project by presenting three small separate shops (a deli, a household goods shop, and a drinks section) that would eventually be merged into one full-scale supermarket.

Ministry of Environment’s Position

In 2022, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) issued a clear opinion:
Installing a supermarket in Hydra’s protected pre-1923 settlement “does not align with the character of the area, adversely affects the residential environment, and falls under high-disturbance uses, which are prohibited.”

This official stance reinforced local protests and highlighted the risk of undermining the islands’ global reputation as rare examples of largely unspoiled historic settlements.

Residents’ Protest Letter

The Union of Merchants, Entrepreneurs, Residents, and Friends of Hydra sent a strongly worded letter of protest. They warned that the new stores would:

1. Devastate small local businesses and drive more permanent residents away.
2. Overburden the islands’ fragile infrastructure (no roads, no vehicles, problematic waste management).
3. Cause irreversible damage to the islands’ architectural and cultural identity, ultimately harming tourism — their main source of income.

What Comes Next?

As of August 29, 2025, Kritikos has formally demanded that Hydra’s municipality issue the necessary permit, again insisting it intends to open a “franchise delicatessen” rather than a standard supermarket. The company claims it has secured all the necessary approvals from archaeological and architectural councils.

Locals remain deeply skeptical. For them, the fight is not just about one store but about the very soul of Hydra and Spetses — two islands that built their fame on authenticity, history, and charm.