EKPIZO: What to Know When Going to the Beach in Greece

A beach in Greece.

Following the Greek Supreme Court’s investigation order into reports that beach bars are occupying and operating illegally on a number of beaches, the consumer rights organization “Quality of Life”  (EKPIZO) reissued a guide of helpful advice regarding the use of public beaches in Greece.

According to the guide, all beaches in Greece are public and Greek citizens and tourists can access them for free. Organized beaches (those with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent) should allow adequate space at the beach to be used by bathers who don’t want to use their services.

Operators of organized beaches are obliged to clearly display a price list for offered services (ie. use of umbrella and/or sunbed) and issue valid receipts according to law.

A beach with lifeguards in Greece.

Organized beaches with an entrance fee must have a sufficient number of lifeguards on duty at the site between 10:30 am and 5:30pm between June and August and have clearly marked floating signs indicating the distance and area bathers can safely swim at.

In addition, beaches with water recreation facilities must have a clearly marked seaway ranging from 7 to 15 meters width and a length taking into consideration the geomorphic features of the area.

Jet skis, sea bikes, surf jets and watercraft such as parachutes and skis can not be used between 2 and 5 pm from June to September. When used they should have a distance of at least 100 meters from the beach’s floating signs. Windsurfers can exercise their favorite spot at least 200 meters from the swimming area as indicated by signs.