Greece bans sunbeds on 251 beaches
- Greece’s environment and finance ministries signed a joint decision on April 24 expanding the country’s “Untrodden Beaches” list to 251 protected shores. - The new total rises from 238 beaches last year and 198 in 2024, banning hired sunbeds, umbrellas and other commercial structures. - The beaches sit in Natura 2000 zones as Greece tightens coastal rules amid overtourism pressure. (ypen.gov.gr)
Greece expanded its “Untrodden Beaches” regime to 251 shores on April 24, barring hired sunbeds, umbrellas and other commercial setups on protected coastlines. (ypen.gov.gr) The joint ministerial decision was signed by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, amending a 2024 rule on high-protection beaches. (ypen.gov.gr) The list now covers 251 beaches, up from 238 last year and 198 when the policy started in 2024. The restrictions apply to beaches inside protected areas in Greece’s national Natura 2000 catalogue. (ypen.gov.gr) (france24.com) On those beaches, authorities say no “simple use” concessions can be granted, and activities that could alter the shoreline’s natural form or ecological function are excluded. Euronews reported that includes hired sunbeds, umbrellas and temporary wooden structures. (ypen.gov.gr) (euronews.com) Greece says the aim is to protect beaches with “special aesthetic, geomorphological and environmental importance,” along with the habitats, plants and animals found there. Natura 2000 is the European Union’s network for conserving threatened species and habitats. (ypen.gov.gr 1) (ypen.gov.gr 2) The newly added sites include parts of Lefkada, Limnos, the Acheloos Delta, the Messolonghi Lagoon, the Small Cyclades and coastal areas of Crete including Kissamos, Gramvousa and Falasarna. (keeptalkinggreece.com) The move lands as Greece tries to contain tourism pressure on its coastline. AFP reported that Greece logged nearly 38 million travelers in 2025, excluding cruise passengers, after island mayors warned in December that overtourism threatened local communities. (france24.com) Greek authorities have also been tearing down illegal coastal structures, including beachfront shacks on Gavdos last week, while development fights on Milos have kept beach protection in the spotlight. (france24.com) (euronews.com) For summer travelers, the change is simple: on 251 designated beaches, the sand stays mostly as-is, with no rental loungers or umbrella rows moving in. (euronews.com) (ypen.gov.gr)
