Greece Bans Sunbeds, Umbrellas, Bars on 198 Beaches
Sunbeds, umbrellas, and all sorts of constructions have been banned on 198 beaches across Greece according to a joint ministerial decision signed this week by Economy & Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Environment Minister Theodoros Skylakakis.
The designated beaches, dubbed “Apatites Paralies” (Untrodden Beaches), are part of a wider government plan to protect shoreline and beaches after complaints last year by residents and holidaymakers for limited access due to bars and other commercial activities.
Protected beaches, identified in collaboration with the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA), include those near or part of Natura 2000 areas or marine parks, and include designated beaches on islands such as Agios Efstratios, Samothrace, Lesvos, Syros, Evia, Andros, Tilos, Ikaria and on the mainland including Southern Mani, Zacharo, and others.
Under the shore line use law, the beaches cannot be auctioned off for commercial use.
According to the same law, violations, including the construction of walls and buildings, the installation of fences, planters, and awnings as well as the placement of vehicles that impede beach and sea access will be fined with up to 60,000 euros to ensure that the country’s beaches are always accessible to the public.
“The aim,” said Hatzidakis is to combine environmental protection with sustainable development. “After all, the environment is a valuable component of the Greek tourist product. Our aim is to be effective,” he said.
The minister went on to add that the government is “organizing public property with a strict framework of rules, penalties, and obligations for concessionaires, a strengthened control system, transparency and determination to implement the law.”
“The beaches on the list are of high ecological importance,” said Skylakakis adding that under the ministerial decision they cannot be awarded for tourist exploitation.
It should be reminded that the government has also announced the operation of an online platform dubbed “MyCoast” where interested parties can apply for shoreline use auctions and citizens can report beach access and shoreline use violations in real time.
The list of Greece’s “Apatites Paralies” (Untrodden Beaches) can be found here (in Greek).
Fully support this initiative. Concerned however that no beaches on Lefkada are identified in the list. This is surprising considering Lefkada reputedly has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
What were the criteria for selection? Was there community consultation.
About time too!…. Thanks Maria, any chance to see the names of all beaches?….I agree with Jean Paul above as no rules apply to Mykonos!…We all know this anyway!
Well done, well done. Bravo Accolades to the Authorities. Please make sure dear Authorities that you follow this through by monitoring the law. DK
The principle is right of course, but there has been no thought as to the different types of beach and different types of development that may affect them. There is a difference between a taverna or a car park, and a handful of sunbeds and umbrella. It’s a matter of fact and degree, which will have a negative impact on tourism, including eco tourism, and will be detrimental to the economies of the smallest islands
At least the Greek authority sees to be concerned by the beach’s, nothing for Mykonos maybe because the tourists are the variety to protect…
We will see if the application “my coast” can be used with success.