Η Greece it is known that it did not keep pace with the technological, social and cultural developments of the western world. He always followed. This means that various fashions came relatively late in Greek society.
In the 80's the country joined the EEC and took steps towards its "Europeanization". At various levels. In matters of morals and mentality, he was far behind. Something that can be said to be true, to a lesser extent, to this day.
Ambitious business moves were welcome. Especially in the countryside. As long as they did not spoil the diptych of "order and morality". This was realized by a businessman who had the terrible idea to turn his hotel into a center naked. And all this at the beginning of that decade. With all that entails.
The plan for how the "would work"Salanti CoastHe was quite ambitious and well ahead for his time. Despite the intentions and plans that were not left on paper, the unit did not manage to last long.
The resort of Salanti Coast, through which the wider area of Ermionida in Argolis turned into a tourist attraction, flocking from all over Europe, it was not a simple hotel.
"Saladi" on the homonymous coast in Kranidi is quickly becoming known in Greece and its reputation and clientele transcends domestic borders. The dream environment: Lush vegetation, wonderful beach, clear blue waters. And most importantly? The hotel was located 5 km away from the nearest village, Didymos. And that was crucial for two reasons. Initially, the managers of the unit did not want the nudists to be in the neighborhood with the residents, while they also wanted the customers to be able to enjoy their bath, as they wanted, away from prying eyes.
The hotel it was not a simple nudist center, but a complete tourist unit. The services he provided were far ahead of their time.
It was pet friendly, while the term "accessibility for the disabled" was not unknown. Its facilities Slanati coast it was just out of competition.
Guests could enjoy sports activities on the basketball, volleyball, tennis and even mini-golf courts! Of course, there was a pool with pool bar, for those who did not like the sea, while those who for some reason had to or wanted to stay in their rooms, knew that they were fully equipped with TV, refrigerator, air conditioning. At this point it is worth remembering that at the time the hotel was created, none of the above was self-evident
In addition, the owners had the intention to create other spaces capable of hosting conferences or even to meet the professional needs of visitors, offering them facilities for communication with their workplaces back to their homelands or children's creative employment services.
Business the unit could meet all the needs of its visitors. Whether they were for quiet and nudity or business purposes. In the beginning the business plan had triumphed. The European nudist community turned Ermionida into a hangout. The local communities as well as the voyeur associations had other aspirations.
According to the press of the time, when the news of the arrival of the nudists spread, the voyeurs targeted the area and organized trips to Ermioni.
The reports of the time even state that in Kypseli the headquarters of the club called "SIK" had its headquarters, that is, the Association of Voyeurism of Kypseli. This could not be lifted by the local community. Not even the local Diocese.
The locals revolted against the unit and its clientele, believing that the European visitors were light-hearted and posed a moral threat to the local community. In fact, the hotel was named "Sodom and Gomorrah of Greece". Which the local press wrote that "were happening under their noses".
They started their mobilizations, with rallies and marches that ended up at the entrance of the hotel. Protests and war through announcements and newspapers had huge costs for the company. But also for the local community in the end.
The "holy war" of the Church was victorious. It was not uncommon for nudists to come into contact with residents of nearby areas. While the attempted demonstration in July 1980, to encircle the hotel from sea and land with the gathered waving flags and banners.
The unit gradually ceased to be as appealing to the audience it was originally aimed at. After all, there is no one who would pay grossly to have peace of mind on his vacation (dressed or not) who would want screams, fuss and curses about how he lives his life.
His example Saladi Hotel is a typical case of a business idea in Greece that prospered but did not triumph over purely non-commercial and exogenous factors.
The shelter that shook the waters almost 40 years ago, could never get back on its feet. The padlock soon entered the hotel, which suspended its operation indefinitely.
After the lockout, many residents who were at the forefront of the protests revised, as they found that "Sodom and Gomorrah" was an important source of income for the whole region.
Watch the video from the hotel trunk by the Up Drones team.
Shortly after the final padlock, the Salanti building was exposed to looting and looting. Looted, with broken windows and torn marbles, with its facilities being eaten by time, it stands there to remind of a not so glorious history of Greece.