Restaurant and tourism business owners in Politika, Evia, are desperate, as the persistent phenomenon of jellyfish and stinging jellyfish in the Euboean Gulf threatens their revenues for yet another year. Despite the installation of special floating protective barriers, beach activity remains subdued, with purple jellyfish present along the coastline from Politika to Dafni.
U-shaped barriers, but businesses remain exposed
As part of measures introduced in early June 2026 to create safe swimming zones in the Euboean and Maliakos gulfs, drone footage from Orange Press Agency shows that U-shaped floating protective barriers were installed in front of businesses, with the aim of supporting local professionals who have been affected.
However, according to local residents and business owners, the barriers were installed only at two locations along the beach, as well as at another point before the entrance to the beachfront area. This leaves a large section of the coastline unprotected, discouraging some swimmers from visiting the area.
“People were afraid – I hope they disappear within three years”
Speaking to Orange Press Agency, Katerina Alexandraki, the owner of a restaurant on Politika beach, described the situation:
“They put the nets up in early June, but… people were afraid. This year, though, it was different, because last year they had already rented houses here, so they couldn’t cancel their rentals. They showed up in June and July when the jellyfish appeared. There are days when they can be there, and days when there may be none at all.”
She expressed residents’ hope that the phenomenon will gradually subside:
“I’m waiting for them to go away. I hope so, because, as the others say, they disappear after three years.”
It should be noted that the floating barriers do not guarantee the complete elimination of the phenomenon, but they significantly reduce the presence of jellyfish within the enclosed area.
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