Currently, permits have been issued for 30 wind turbines with a total capacity of 135 MW. The maximum permitted capacity on the island is 295 MW, meaning another 35 wind turbines of 4.5 MW each can potentially be placed. The current licensed locations are Foinikies, Kserokambos, and Kordelides

All wind turbines will be 150 meters high including the propellers. They will be visible during both day and night, as aviation safety regulations require them to be equipped with bright red warning lights. Some turbines will be visible from across the entire island due to their height and strategic positioning on hills and elevated areas.

Checkout the map for the location of the parks.

The electricity generated will not directly benefit Kythira. Instead, it will be transported via undersea cables to the main Greek electricity grid, and Kythira will continue to receive its power from the national grid exactly as it does now.

Research indicates that people living or working near wind turbines may experience “Wind Turbine Syndrome” symptoms, including sleep disturbance, headaches, anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and decreased quality of life. These symptoms are attributed to turbine noise, ultrasonic sounds, ground vibrations, and shadow flicker effects.

Kythira attracts visitors seeking nature, tranquility, and unspoiled landscapes. Research in similar locations shows that nearly 90% of tourists consider scenic views very important, and wind farms significantly diminish landscape attractiveness. Many tourists indicate they would choose alternative vacation destinations if wind farms were installed.

The project will permanently alter Kythira’s natural landscape, with two proposed sites located within Natura 2000 protected areas. Kythira is a crucial hub for migratory birds and one of Greece’s most important bird areas. Millions of birds, bats, and insects are killed annually by wind turbines worldwide, which could severely impact local ecosystems and the famous Kythirian thyme honey production.

Explore the environmental impact map of Kythira at https://kythira-windturbines.com/en/the-map-that-tells-the-real-story to see the comprehensive data behind the environmental concerns.

Multiple sites of major cultural significance are located in or near the proposed wind parks, including monasteries, Byzantine churches, archaeological sites, UNESCO-heritage dry stone walls, and ancient footpaths (monopathia). The industrial development threatens to irreversibly damage these irreplaceable cultural landmarks.

Wind turbines significantly decrease local property values, with research showing average declines of 10-15%, though some areas experience drops up to 50%. Given Kythira’s real estate market dependence on vacation home buyers, the impact could be even more severe, potentially making properties near visible turbines virtually unsaleable.

The turbines are not guaranteed to be installed. Current licenses are only production permits (feasibility approvals). Companies must still obtain environmental approval, grid connection offers, installation licenses, and operation licenses. Many appeals have been filed by individuals, the Municipality, and organizations, making this a lengthy ongoing legal process.

Viable alternatives exist that could achieve the same climate goals while respecting Kythira’s environment and character. Solar energy has become 1.5 times cheaper than wind energy and could be implemented with far less environmental and cultural impact. Solar parks can even contribute to biodiversity and be designed to respect the island’s cultural-historical landscape value.