British tourists warned as Greece dishes out £600k in fines over strict beach rules
Authorities are cracking down on the violations of newly implemented beach rules to combat overtourism in Greece.
British tourists heading to Greece are being warned about strict new beach regulations that have already resulted in fines exceeding £600,000 since the start of July.
These fines stem from breaches of newly implemented beach rules designed to enhance public access and manage overcrowding along Greece's famous coastline.
The Greek government introduced these regulations earlier this year, stipulating, among other things, that sunbeds must be placed at least four meters from the shoreline to facilitate easier access to the water for beachgoers.
Additionally, a mandate now requires that 70 percent of beaches remain free of sunbeds to ensure a more comfortable sunbathing experience.
To enforce these rules, electronic reporting systems have been installed near beaches, allowing the public to report violations directly to authorities. Drones have also been deployed for inspections to ensure compliance.
The Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance has been actively monitoring adherence to these regulations, reportedly investigating over 4,500 citizen complaints about beaches and coastal areas in just this month.
Many of these complaints involve local businesses accused of "hijacking" beach areas by illegally extending their operations beyond designated zones.
More than 150 beaches have undergone spot checks to ensure they remain accessible to the public and that beachfront businesses are not encroaching on public spaces.
Violations have included businesses placing umbrellas and deck chairs beyond their allowed boundaries, failing to display required signage, and occupying beach areas without proper leases. Such infractions have resulted in substantial fines.
Don't miss...
Greek island in chaos as 17,000 tourists descend as mayor declares 'emergency'
Turkey panic with half-empty restaurants as tourists flock to rival holiday spot
Panic on Greek islands as 22 beaches 'disgraced' with tourists issued warning
The popular tourist destinations of Rhodes and Crete are particularly under scrutiny for environmental rule compliance. The MyCoast app has been introduced to assist beachgoers in reporting any irregularities they observe.
"This summer, a lot will change on our beaches", Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said back in March.
As Greece also battles a surge in cases of the new Covid-19 variant, FLiRT, with increased hospital admissions, tourists are reminded to stay informed about both health and environmental regulations to avoid fines and ensure a pleasant vacation.
