Despite the first encouraging signs of a reduction in certain types of plastic waste, Greek beaches continue to face a serious pollution problem, according to the new report by WWF Greece on its “Adopt a Beach” programme.

From 2021 to 2026, nearly 465,000 pieces of litter were recorded across 204 beaches, with plastics accounting for approximately 80% of the total. Cigarette butts remain the most common item found, while the average of 428 pieces of waste per 100 metres of coastline is far above the European threshold of 20.

The latest report recorded an 18% reduction in waste across 15 beaches that have been systematically monitored. However, for the first time, it also highlights the growing problem of microplastics, which were detected in all sand samples collected from nine Greek beaches.

According to WWF Greece, the findings confirm the urgent need for substantial measures to reduce plastic pollution and protect the marine environment.