Greece bans sunbeds on 251 beaches
- Greece’s finance and environment ministers signed a joint decision on April 24 adding 13 more “Untrodden Beaches,” lifting the protected total to 251. - The expanded rules bar commercial concessions on those shores, including hired sunbeds, umbrellas, events, vehicles and activities that could alter beach ecology. - The list rose from 198 beaches in 2024 and 238 in 2025 as Greece tightens coastal protections amid overtourism pressure. (france24.com)
Greece has expanded its list of protected “Untrodden Beaches” to 251, banning commercial sunbeds and umbrellas on those shores. (ypen.gov.gr) (euronews.com) The new rules were signed on April 24 by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou as an amendment to a 2024 joint ministerial decision. (ypen.gov.gr) The amendment adds 13 beaches, taking the total from 238 to 251. The first version of the scheme covered 198 beaches in 2024. (ypen.gov.gr) (france24.com) These beaches are in protected Natura 2000 areas, and the government says the aim is to preserve coastlines with aesthetic, geomorphological and ecological value. (ypen.gov.gr) (euronews.com) On those beaches, authorities say they will not allow “simple use” concessions on the foreshore, meaning businesses cannot set up hired umbrellas, chairs or sunbeds. (ypen.gov.gr) (independent.co.uk) The restrictions also cover activities that could change the beach itself. Reporting on the measure says watersports rentals, vehicles on the sand, large sound systems and events involving more than 10 people are barred. (independent.co.uk) (keeptalkinggreece.com) Visitors can still go to the beaches. The ban is on commercial exploitation and physical interventions, not public access. (independent.co.uk) (euronews.com) The updated list includes beaches on Lefkada, Limnos, the Acheloos Delta, the Messolonghi Lagoon, the Small Cyclades and several parts of Crete, including Kissamos, Gramvousa and Falasarna. (keeptalkinggreece.com) (ypen.gov.gr) Leipsoi now has 23 protected beaches, which The Independent said is the highest total for any Greek municipality. (independent.co.uk) The move comes as Greece tries to contain overtourism on coasts that support a multibillion-euro travel industry. AFP reported the government has also been dismantling illegal beachfront structures in recent years. (france24.com 1) (france24.com 2) For summer 2026, the practical change is simple: on 251 named beaches, tourists can still bring a towel, but beach clubs cannot take over the sand. (euronews.com) (independent.co.uk)
