Greece Launches ‘MyCoast’ App for Users to Report Beach Violations

Visitors to beaches across Greece who come across violations can now report these on a new app presented this week by Greek Economy & Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou.

Users can now download the “MyCoast” app for free on their smart phones or tablets. The procedure is simple: users should turn on GPS services, find the location of the beach on the map and learn more about the concession status of the beach.

If they see that beach access is limited or that the establishment has added more sunbeds or umbrellas than allowed, they will then be able to file a complaint with a short description. All complaints will be accessible and listed on the Economy Ministry’s “Register of Coast and Beach Concessions” to be examined by the competent services.

Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou during the presentation of the MyCoast app.

In the next phase, AI technology will be used to inspect the reported violation in real time.

The aim of “MyCoast” is to ensure free access of all citizens to Greek beaches, to strengthen transparency when granting beach use to businesses, to organize and utilize public property, and to encourage environmental protection.

It should be noted that should the app not operate, citizens can report the violation to the police who will be responsible to file the complaint within the day.

Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou and the Economy & Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis (center).

The MyCoast app is part of a wider government plan to protect shorelines and beaches after complaints last year by residents and holidaymakers for limited access due to bars and other commercial activities.

“The MyCoast application will serve as a tool enabling citizens to become the government’s allies in the effort to ensure the orderly operation of businesses on coasts and beaches,” said Hatzidakis.

The MyCoast app is currently available for downloading through the App Store and soon through the Play Store.