Forty free additional beaches in Greece have been added to a list compiled by the Environment and Energy Ministry for a total of 238.
These are the protected beaches, the so-called Untrodden Beaches, meaning that they are free to the public and not open to any kind of commercial use.
The list is compiled in collaboration with the National Economy and Finance Ministry, based on requests made by citizens, municipalities, and the Organization for the Natural Environment and Climate Change for the addition of specific beaches.
The institution of “Untrodden Beaches” was established for the first time in 2024 in a bill that outlined the exploitation of shoreline public property and established strict rules forbidding any kind of business activity in order to protect the natural environment. Existing and active contracts are not, however, to be affected until their expiration.
Consequently, with the amendment of a Joint Ministerial Decision signed by Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis and National Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, the government has determined which the free beaches (“Untrodden Beaches”) throughout the country are. These are situated within the Natura 2000 network, where concessions and installation of beach umbrellas and sunbeds are prohibited.
Criteria for free beaches
In recent years, the exploitation of public beaches for profit has meant beachgoers have been unable to properly enjoy the sea due to fencing off of beaches and exorbitant prices charged for umbrellas and sunbeds.
After countless complaints by citizens for the literal occupation of public beaches by fly-by-night businessmen who arbitrarily set up shop on public beaches, the government decided to step it up and draw a legal framework for public beaches in Greece that would serve citizens’ interests.
The free beaches on the list have been determined based on a series of criteria. These include:
- proximity to ecosystems protected under EU or national law
- rare endemic species of plants and animals
- whether they perform important ecological functions for protected species
- whether they are Crucial Biodiversity Regions
- the presence of important ecosystems that require protection, preservation, or restoration.
All economic activity that might endanger the morphology and integrity of the beaches or their ecological functions, including the simple use of the beach and shoreline, is banned on “Untrodden Beaches.” This includes the presence of:
- mechanized vehicles
- events with greater than ten participants
- usage of electronic equipment to play or amplify music for activities
- placement of non-permanent objects such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, and sunbeds, among other things, on beaches
- provision of services or equipment for marine sports and recreational activities
- the operation of towed or driven mobile canteens
Greece reins in beach chaos
In recent years, Greece has faced increasing challenges in managing its picturesque free beaches, which attract a significant amount of tourists from around the globe. The sheer volume of visitors, coupled with unregulated commercial activities, has led to environmental degradation, overcrowding, and safety concerns.
The same applies for Greek citizens, as the high cost of privatized beaches makes enjoying the sea a luxury that many cannot afford. Free beaches are scarce, especially in areas that are popular tourist spots. To address these issues, Greek authorities are implementing a series of measures aimed at restoring order and preserving the natural beauty of their coastal areas.
However, the primary concern is environmental preservation. Popular beaches, such as Navagio on Zakynthos, Myrtos on Kefalonia, and Elafonissi on Crete, have seen a surge in tourists, resulting in litter, damage to sand dunes, and harm to marine life. The Greek government is stepping up efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems. This includes stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws, the introduction of recycling programs, and campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of natural habitat preservation.
Commercial activity regulation
Another significant issue is unregulated commercial activities that have sprung up on many beaches. Unlicensed vendors, unauthorized sunbed and umbrella rentals, and makeshift bars have proliferated, contributing to the chaos. In response, authorities are now cracking down on these illegal operations in order to make free beaches for Greek residents a reality.
A licensing system is being enforced to certify that only authorized businesses are able to operate, and there is an increased number of beach monitors to ensure compliance. The aim is to create a more organized and enjoyable experience for tourists and Greek residents alike while also protecting the rights of legitimate business owners.
You may download the full list of 238 beaches with their Natura2000 codes here (in Greek).