An additional 40 beaches across the country have been added to the list of unspoiled beaches, the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Environment and Energy announced.
The list currently includes 238 “unspoiled beaches.” The expansion of the list was made after considering requests from citizens, municipalities, and the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECA) for both exemptions and additions of “fraudulent beaches.” Furthermore, some corrections were made to ensure that the existing rights of citizens (e.g., neighboring businesses) are not included in this list.
It should be recalled that “unspoiled beaches” were first established by Law 5092/2024 (“Conditions for the use of public property in coastal areas”). In this context, strict restrictions are placed on the use of the seashore and beach and all business activities are prohibited on them, with the aim of protecting the natural environment. Nevertheless, active civil contracts are not affected until their expiry.
Permitted concessions, umbrellas, and sunbeds are prohibited
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Therefore, with the amendment of the Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD), signed by the Ministers of National Economy and Finance, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis and Environment and Energy, Mr. Thodoros Skylakakis, the “Free beaches”, throughout the country, located within the Natura 2000 network, are defined, where the granting and, by extension, the placement of umbrellas, sunbeds, etc.
The “Special beaches” were identified according to criteria that include: the significant presence of habitats protected by EU or national legislation, rare endemic species of flora and fauna, the performance of important ecological functions for protected species, their classification as Key Biodiversity Areas, the presence of important ecosystems that need protection and conservation or restoration. View the list here
What the EIA provides for “remote beaches”
According to the EIS, in “remote beaches” the granting of the right of simple use of the seashore and beach, as well as any other action that may endanger their morphology and their integrity in terms of their ecological functions, and in particular:
(a) the presence of motor vehicles,
(b) the organisation of events involving more than ten persons,
c) music or the production of other sounds using an electrical reproduction or amplification device, for the purpose of carrying out activities
d) the placing of mobile elements, such as table seats, umbrellas, deckchairs, etc.
e) the exercise of activities serving bathers or the recreation of the public, for the rental of marine recreational facilities,
f) the operation of a self-propelled or towed-wheeled recreational facility.
