Greece implements stricter beach regulations to preserve coastal beauty and accessibility

As Greece prepares for the peak of its summer tourist season, new regulations aimed at preserving the natural beauty and accessibility of its iconic beaches have come into force.

Greek residents frustrated with beaches monopolized by sunbeds are turning to drones and a citizen reporting app to tackle overcrowding, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Drones now monitor Greek beaches, reducing the prevalence of deckchairs as they enforce new regulations. They target restaurants, bars, and rental companies operating without proper permits for beach seating. The drones also oversee compliance with rules stipulating that seating, such as deckchairs and umbrellas, must be at least four meters away from the shoreline, as mandated by legislation introduced in March. This regulation prohibits rental chairs on beaches narrower than four meters.

Assisting the drones, local citizens use the MyCoast digital app to identify legal establishments and report violations. Recent reports indicated that over 1,000 complaints were submitted earlier this month, resulting in fines totaling over 350,000 euros within just five days.

Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis emphasized the dual goal of protecting the environment and ensuring citizens' access to beaches while supporting legitimate businesses. Recent crackdowns on sunbeds and umbrellas have targeted 14 specific beaches across Greece, with a particular focus on those located in protected 'Natura' areas.

Among these, Kryoneri beach on the northwest coast garnered the highest number of complaints this month, totaling 169. Most complaints centered on establishments exceeding their allocated beach area. Nearby Valtos beach also faced multiple complaints.

On the other side of Greece, inspections also targeted Lagonisi and Nea Heraklia beaches in Halkidiki, as well as Klima beach on Aegina island and Masouri beach on Kalymnos island, all for similar violations of beach regulations.

Popular tourist destinations like Corfu and Rhodes in Greece have also been subject to beach enforcement measures.

The largest fine of 220,000 euros was imposed on a business operating without a license on Thymari beach in Anavyssos, located about an hour's drive south of Athens.

The new rules aim to alleviate overcrowding on Greek beaches and were introduced by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance in March. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced these regulations in a TikTok video.

Under the new legislation, Greek beaches must now have at least 70 per cent of their area free of sunbeds, with a higher requirement of 85 per cent for beaches located in protected areas where construction is strictly limited. Businesses that use or rent sunbeds must obtain a permit through online auctions. Permit holders are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and accessibility on the beach, including proper signage and the presence of a lifeguard.

As the summer tourist season begins, these new measures are helping to curb overcrowding and prevent the illegal privatization of Greek beaches. The government plans further measures to address overtourism, including restrictions on cruise ships docking at popular islands such as Mykonos and Santorini starting from 2025.