Overview
- Greece broadened its protected coastline program by adding 13 locations to the “untrodden beaches” list, lifting the total to roughly 250–251 under an updated joint ministerial decision tied to the EU Natura 2000 network.
- The rules prohibit sunbed and umbrella rentals, beach bars and organized watersports, motor vehicles on sand and dunes, amplified music, and organized events with more than 10 people.
- Existing foreshore contracts continue until they expire, and only mobile trailer refreshment stands can operate to sell drinks and snacks.
- Officials have begun enforcement, with reports of illegal structures removed on Gavdos, and visitors can view covered sites on the Gov.gr MyCoast mapping app.
- Tourism hit a record 38 million visitors last year, putting strain on beaches that include Balos, Elafonisi, and Falassarna, and reports differ on the new site count, with officials citing 250 and some outlets listing 251.