Revisions to Greece Shoreline Use Law

Parties wishing to make use of shoreline, beach or river bank will be able to bid online, following an amendment to a relevant draft law tabled in parliament this week, with the aim is to ensure maximum participation as well as transparency in the leasing and licensing procedures.

The revision also foresees the reduction of leasing time from five to three years in order to ensure that ”there is enough time for a sufficient return on investment on behalf of the concessionaire… as well as to deter interventions in given spaces”.

Under the draft law modification, it will now be possible following a joint ministerial decision to grant concessions for the use of seashore, beach or river zone directly, with or without remittance, with the exception of public entities and management bodies of protected areas.

In addition, shoreline and beach licenses granted to municipal authorities for activities that serve bathers or for public recreation — such as sea sports and leisure activities, tables and chairs, umbrellas — can be leased out to third parties.

Lastly, accommodation enterprises, campgrounds or recreation centers and sailing clubs supervised by the General Secretariat of Sports will be allowed the three-year use of seashore, beach or river bank without being required to participate in a bid but with a set remittance.