general

Rethymno Officials Ask UNESCO to Halt BOAK Over Heritage Threat

Thursday, 2 July 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

A group of local officials, academics, and civic representatives in Rethymno have sent a formal letter to UNESCO raising concerns about the BOAK highway construction project. The signatories argue that ongoing roadwork threatens archaeological monuments and cultural heritage sites in the Rethymno area. BOAK is a major east-west motorway currently under construction across Crete, intended to improve road connections along the northern coast. The Rethymno section has drawn particular scrutiny from heritage advocates who believe the route passes too close to historically significant sites. For visitors, the BOAK works continue to cause localized traffic disruptions on routes in and around Rethymno. Tourists driving between Heraklion and Chania should expect occasional delays and diversions. The UNESCO intervention may influence the project timeline, but no changes to the current construction schedule have been announced.

Read original article → CretaOne