Greece has implemented strict new regulations for its beaches, aiming to address overcrowding and ensure fairness.

Greece’s beaches are now subject to stringent new rules, which will have an impact on travellers planning summer trips there.

According to press reports, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a series of measures to curb overcrowding and to improve access to beaches in a set of new rules being called ‘beach bill’.

Mitsotakis says that starting this spring, one of the main rules requires that 70 pc of beaches be sunbed-free to ease overcrowding. This requirement increases to 85 pc in protected areas, while sunbeds will be prohibited entirely in ecologically sensitive areas designated as ‘untouchable beaches’.

While Greece remains a top choice for beach vacations, increasing visitors has brought challenges. The high demand for beach spots has led to overcrowding problems, with many businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, occupying large sections of the shoreline, leaving little space for the public. A minimum distance of four metres between the shoreline and the sunbeds will now be also strictly enforced.

The new rules also mandate that beachfront businesses competing to rent sunbeds will now participate in online auctions to secure space. Drones will be used to monitor beaches and ensure compliance with these new regulations. These measures will take effect this spring.

Meanwhile, Greece has also introduced a new climate sustainability fee for overnight visitors. This tariff addresses the impact of extreme weather events, such as fires and floods, on the country’s infrastructure. Expected to generate EUR 300 million in 2024, the tax will contribute to restoring climate-damaged infrastructure.

The statement says that tourists visiting Greece from March to October will be required to pay the fee, which varies based on the type of accommodation, ranging from EUR 1 to EUR 4 per night.

Visitors staying in apartments and one or two-star hotels will be subject to a EUR 1.50 tax per night, while those staying in three-star hotels will pay EUR 3 per night. An additional EUR 7 tax will be applied for four-star hotel accommodations, while guests at luxury five-star hotels will incur a EUR 10 tax per night.

New beach rules across Europe

Greece is not alone in dealing with new rules to regulate beach behaviour. Thus, in the Spanish resort of Benidorm, tourists can face fines of up to EUR 1,200 for swimming between midnight and 7 am. Sleeping on the beach during these hours also brings fines. Portugal is also cracking down on beach behaviour, with fines of up to EUR 36,000 for beachgoers using portable speakers.

Meanwhile, tourists are banned from stepping on the famous Spiaggia Rosa beach in Sardinia, Italy, with fines of up to EUR 3,500 for violators.