Greece Bans Sunbeds, Umbrellas, Bars on 198 Beaches

Ikaria. Photo source: Visit Greece

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.

Photo source: Municipality of Agios Efstratios

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).