The Greek Health Ministry this week released an updated list of 13 areas across Attica where swimming is strictly prohibited due to substandard water quality.
According to the ministry’s circular, these locations fail to meet the legal standards for safe bathing waters, as defined by national and EU regulations. The affected zones include major port areas, stormwater outlets, and spots near wastewater treatment facilities.
Areas Where Swimming is Banned
- All ports, permanent anchorages, shipyards, and shipbreaking yards
- From Piraeus port to Perama
- From Skaramangas to Aspropyrgos beach
- In the ports of Skafaki, Stavros Themistokleous Coast, Hellenic Naval Academy, and 100 meters on either side of Miramare
- From the north end of Mikrolimano to the coast of Xirotagaro
- Left side of Edem coast, near Edem Restaurant, and 100 meters on either side of the Pikrodafni stream outlet
- Left side of Sounio beach, in front of the Akrogiali Restaurant
- 50 meters on either side of all storm drainage outlets
- 200 meters on either side of wastewater treatment plant outlets and similar discharge points
- From the Lavrio shipyards and port up to the PPC power facility (Swimming is allowed from Helmi Beach to Theatre Beach in Thorikos)
- In the outer waters of the windward pier of Rafina port
- 200 meters around discharge points from biological treatment facilities in Nea Makri and Marathon, including those at the THALA and Air Force camps (Swimming is allowed at the KEDA/Z beach facilities)
- 200 meters on either side of the Asopos River outlet.
The Health Ministry emphasized that inspections would continue throughout the bathing season. It called on local authorities and coast guard departments to conduct regular water sampling, monitor potential pollution sources, and ensure clear signage is posted at all affected locations.
This announcement comes on the heels of last month’s decision to strip 12 Greek beaches of their “Blue Flag” status following failures to meet international cleanliness and quality standards. Greece repeatedly ranks among the top countries in the world for its clean waters and beaches.
