In just five days, the authorities in Greece collected over €350,000 in fines from illegal bars and "private beaches". The anger of the Greeks against the paid sunbeds and umbrellas is growing.
In the fight against the commercial use of non-concession beach areas, the authorities in Greece collected over 350,000 euros in fines - and in just five days. According to data from the Ministry of Economy in Athens, three sites have already been closed.
So far, the authorities have received more than 1,000 complaints regarding beaches in Corfu, Halkidiki, as well as in the region around Athens. As beach bars, private beaches and taverns occupy ever-larger stretches of coastline, authorities are now also using drones, satellite imagery and the new MyCoast app, where anyone can report violations of the banned privatization of public beaches.
Two sunbeds and an umbrella - up to 40 euros per day
In March of this year, the government in Athens also introduced new rules for renting sunbeds. Umbrellas and sunbeds must be at least four meters away from the sea. And on beaches that are narrower than four meters, this service is prohibited. And it earns quite well: in Greece, two sunbeds and an umbrella cost between 20 and 40 euros per day, and on some of the most popular beaches - even more.
Everyone in Greece should have access to a beach
With each passing season, the anger of the Greeks grows. In the summer of 2023, a record tourist year with 33 million guests, the so-called towel motion. It demanded legally guaranteed access to beaches and for people who do not want to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas.