Greece Beach Rules 2024
Greece is a popular beach destination but there are some drawbacks. The overwhelming number of tourists has resulted in overcrowding.
The increasing number of sunbeds on Greece's beaches prompted the local residents to petition for beach space last year, and it appears that they are finally being heard.
This spring, Greece will be introducing new regulations for beaches to offer better protection and make trips to the seaside more accessible for all.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the measures in a TikTok video, citing that Greece is aiming to tackle overcrowding and also allow people to use the beaches more easily if they can’t pay for a sunbed.
Greece’s New Beach Bill
The high demand for beachfront 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.
Starting in the next month, 70% of beaches must be free of sunbeds as this will help to prevent overcrowding. In protected areas, this will be increased to 85%. Additionally, some ecologically sensitive areas will be marked as ‘untouchable beaches’ – in these areas, there shall not be a sunbed in sight.
Plus, a distance of at least four metres must be maintained between sunbeds and the shoreline. This will give beachgoers more space and a clearer pathway to the sea.
Greece has some of the world's most beautiful beaches and it's about time they got some protection.
Additional Tourist Tax
Earlier this year, Greece announced the introduction of a new levy for overnight visitors.
The new climate resilience levy is meant to fight the damage caused by extreme weather events, such as the wildfires and floods that swept through the country last year.
The new tax will form part of a special reserves budget, which will help rebuild parts of the country’s infrastructure that have been damaged as a result of climate change.
This tax is applicable only during the peak tourist season, spanning from March to October.
Just like the previous tax, the rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night.
It is essential to note that these taxes are not included in the holiday prices presented by travel operators and agents. Travellers are required to pay them in the local currency at the accommodation itself.
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