Another 251 ‘Untouched Beaches’ in Greece Under Enhanced Protection

The Greek state has placed 251 beaches around the country under an enhanced environmental protection regime, expanding safeguards for ecologically sensitive coastal areas that form part of the Natura 2000 network.

The joint decision by the environment and energy ministry and the national economy and finance ministry designates the beaches as “Untouched Beaches,” prohibiting commercial concessions and a range of activities deemed likely to alter their natural character or damage their ecological integrity.

The new framework bans motor vehicles from entering the protected beaches and prohibits organized events involving more than 10 people. The use of electrically amplified music or other sound systems is also forbidden, as is the placement of movable beach infrastructure such as umbrellas, sunbeds, tables and chairs.