Greek locals have taken matters into their own hands to combat overcrowding on the country’s beaches, using drones and a citizen reporting app to enforce new rules. Drone patrols are targeting restaurants, bars, and rental companies without permits for beach seating, as well as those placing seating too close to the sea. The drones are being assisted by local citizens using the MyCoast digital app, resulting in over €350,000 in fines in just five days. The goal is to protect the environment, ensure citizens’ right to free beach access, and preserve the tourist product and healthy entrepreneurship represented by law-abiding businesses.
Inspectors have focused on 14 beaches in Greece, particularly in protected ‘Natura’ areas, to prevent illegal placement of umbrellas and seating. Kryoneri beach on the northwest coast received the most complaints for establishments exceeding the agreed area on the beach. Other beaches targeted for violations include Valtos, Lagonisi, Nea Heraklia, Klima, and Masouri among others. Popular tourist destinations like Corfu and Rhodes have also faced crackdowns. The strictest fine of €220,000 was issued to a business operating without a license on Thymari beach in Anavyssos, south of Athens.
New rules introduced by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance in March aim to ease crowding on Greek beaches. The legislation requires that beaches should be at least 70% sunbed-free, with stricter limitations for protected areas. Businesses must have permits to use or rent out sunbeds, obtainable through online auctions. Permit holders are responsible for maintaining clean and accessible beaches, including having lifeguards present and displaying the correct signage. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced these rules, emphasizing the need to reduce overcrowding and illegal privatization of beaches.
As the summer tourist season begins, the app and drone patrols have been successful in enforcing the new regulations and reducing overcrowding on Greek beaches. The checks are part of a larger effort to crackdown on overtourism in the country, with future limits expected to be placed on cruise ships docking at popular Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini starting in 2025. The measures are aimed at protecting the environment, citizens’ access to beaches, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Greek officials hope to preserve the country’s natural beauty and tourist attractions while supporting legitimate businesses that comply with the rules.
The use of drones and the MyCoast app by Greek locals marks a proactive approach to dealing with overcrowding and violations on the country’s beaches. By involving citizens in reporting violations and implementing strict fines for non-compliance, authorities are taking steps to preserve the beauty and accessibility of the beaches for both locals and tourists. The emphasis is on ensuring that businesses operate within the law, maintain clean and accessible beaches, and contribute to sustainable tourism practices. Further measures to combat overtourism are anticipated, as the government seeks to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect Greece’s natural resources and cultural heritage.
Overall, the efforts to enforce new regulations on Greek beaches through drones, citizen reporting apps, and strict fines are part of a larger strategy to manage overcrowding and protect the environment. By emphasizing the importance of legal compliance, clean beaches, and sustainable tourism practices, Greek officials are working towards a more balanced and responsible approach to tourism. The crackdown on illegal beach seating and overcrowding is just one aspect of the country’s efforts to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage, while ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy the beaches for years to come.
