Greece sets new beach rules, introduces climate tax

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Greece has introduced stringent regulations for its beaches to address the issue of overcrowding and preserve ecological areas, as announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The ‘new beach bill’ mandates that 70% of the country’s beaches remain free of sunbeds, with this figure rising to 85% in protected zones and a complete ban in ecologically sensitive ‘untouchable beaches.’

This move comes in response to the rising number of visitors and the consequent crowding, exacerbated by businesses occupying substantial beachfronts. Measures including a minimum four-meter distance from the shoreline for sunbeds and online auctions for sunbed rental spaces are part of the initiative, with drones to monitor adherence to these rules.

Similar restrictions are observed in other European destinations. In Benidorm, Spain, tourists risk fines for swimming or sleeping on the beach during designated hours, while Portugal imposes fines for the use of portable speakers on the beach. Italy’s Spiaggia Rosa beach in Sardinia forbids visitors from stepping on it, with substantial fines for non-compliance.

Additionally, Greece has implemented a climate sustainability fee for overnight visitors, effective from March to October, aimed at mitigating the impact of climate-related disasters on its infrastructure. This tax, expected to raise €300 million in 2024, varies according to the accommodation type, ranging from €1 to €4 per night, contributing to the restoration of climate-damaged facilities.

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