Greek authorities are stepping up efforts to protect public access to beaches across the country, following more than 3,000 complaints filed during May and June regarding illegal activities and obstructions along the coastline.

While the overall situation has shown some improvement compared to last summer, June alone saw 2,667 anonymous and named complaints submitted to the Ministry of Finance, on top of approximately 300 filed in May. The most common violations include unauthorized occupation of beach space and the obstruction of free public access to the sea.

Over half of the complaints have already been investigated, resulting in penalties that in some cases exceed €60,000.

Strict Fines for Blocking Public Beach Access

Under Greek law, the public must have unobstructed access to the sea, shoreline and beach areas. Violations come with heavy financial penalties:

• Blocking access can lead to fines ranging from €2,000 to €60,000.
• Hindering the work of inspection authorities carries a €10,000 fine.
• Failing to post required signage showing the legal terms of beach concessions results in a €1,000 fine.

Until now, inspections have been carried out using conventional methods — with on-site teams armed with measuring tapes and concession permits. But as the summer season intensifies, authorities will begin using drones to monitor beaches and capture aerial images, either proactively or in response to complaints.

The digital platform MyCoast, developed by the Ministry of Digital Governance, has become a key tool in these efforts, helping both authorities and citizens track violations and file reports.

Fewer Extreme Cases Than Last Year

Officials note that while violations remain widespread, some of the more extreme examples seen in 2024 have not reappeared so far this year. This is attributed to both the imposition of stricter fines and improvements in the beach concession process.

According to data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, 10,565 beach concessions have been granted, 982 of them in 2025.

Of all complaints filed this summer:

• 1,568 concern unauthorized beach occupation.
• 441 involve blocked public access.

Ανάφη, Κυκλάδες / The island of Anafi

Where Violations Are Most Common

Eastern Attica and the northern region of Halkidiki have seen the highest number of violations. In Eastern Attica alone, there were 396 complaints in June, including 106 in the Saronikos area. Other high-violation areas include:

• Rhodes: 164
• Magnesia: 189
• Preveza: 133
• Corfu: 79
• Euboea: 72
• Thessaloniki: 65
• Kavala: 64
• Messenia: 62
• Argosaronic Islands: 59

The complaints reflect growing public concern over the illegal privatization of beaches and efforts by some businesses to monopolize shoreline space.

Enforcement Measures and Business Closures

When authorities find unauthorized occupation of a beach or shoreline, the local Land Registry issues an immediate removal order. This requires the offending business or individual to clear all items within 48 hours, regardless of how long the occupation has been in place. In cases involving illegal construction, demolition is mandatory.

Epanomi beach, Thessaloniki, Greece on May 17, 2020. / Παραλία Επανομής, Θεσσαλονίκη, 17 Μαΐου 2020.

If a business (such as a beach bar) is operating without a valid concession, authorities can also issue an order to seal off and shut down the business. Within 24 hours, the occupied area must be cordoned off with tape and a sign in Greek and English, stating that the area is closed and entry is prohibited.

Financial Penalties and Business Restrictions

Several tiers of fines apply, depending on the type and severity of the violation:

• Illegal construction or alteration on a beach or shoreline: A fine four times the legal usage fee, multiplied by the number of years (up to five) the structure has existed. Offenders are banned from applying for any beach concession for ten years. This is in addition to any building code violations.
• Unauthorized occupation without a concession: A fine equal to four times the applicable usage fee and a five-year ban from future concessions. Repeat offenses by operating businesses lead to a ten-day suspension, sealing of cash registers by tax authorities, and a ten-year concession ban.
• Exceeding the legal area of an approved concession: A similar fine formula applies. If the violation exceeds 30% of the approved area, a second offense results in a five-year concession ban. A third offense results in a ten-day business suspension, sealing of the cash register, and a ten-year ban.

Protecting Public Beaches

With beach tourism being a cornerstone of Greece’s summer economy and lifestyle, these enforcement efforts aim to preserve public access and environmental integrity. Authorities emphasize that beaches are public goods — not to be monopolized or exploited in violation of the law. As Greece enters the peak summer months, inspections will intensify, with drones playing a growing role in surveillance.