Greece introduces new 'strict' beach rules affecting UK holidaymakers

14 March 2024 , 12:01

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The new rules will come into force this summer (Image: Getty Images)

Greece has introduced new 'strict' beach rules that will affect UK holidaymakers this summer.

The country has passed a new beach bill which will be 'strictly enforced', especially as the summer season approaches. These rules aim to improve public access to Greece's famous coastlines and make beaches more orderly.

One of the changes, due to start this spring, is that 70% of Greek beaches must be free of sunbeds to prevent overcrowding and make sunbathing more enjoyable. This increases to 85% in protected areas. A minimum distance of four metres between sunbeds and the shoreline to make it easier for people to get to the water will be enforced.

'Untouchable beaches' will be established in ecologically-sensitive areas, where sunbeds are completely banned. According to the new law, at least half of the beaches must remain open to the public. This is to prevent areas from being taken over by rental umbrellas and bars, reports Bristol Live.

Certain beaches will get extra protections (Unknown)

In recent years, there has been an increasing issue with beaches being taken over by hotels and beach businesses, limiting public access. Lease allocations for concessions will also be awarded through online auctions to avoid any underhand deals and increase transparency.

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The prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, told everyone about new rules on TikTok. E-auctions to obtain a beach license are to be introduced to control who buys and operates businesses on the land.

Anyone who gets a permit will also have specific obligations, the prime minister says, to clean the beaches, to allow access to people with disabilities and to have a lifeguard. The law will be enforced with more checks, stiff fines for violators and even the closure of businesses.

Greece is not the only Mediterranean country where there are rules about what you can and can't on beaches. One particular hurdle is found in Benidorm, a seaside destination on the east of Spain which attracts more than one million Brits each year. Like many coastal destinations, Benidorm has regionally specific rules designed to keep order. One of those relates to when you can and can't go swimming.

If you're caught swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am, you'll be at risk of a fine between €750 and €1,200 (£641 to £1,026). The same financial penalty will be headed your way if you're caught sleeping or camping on the beaches during these hours.

These are far from the only rules either. Below is a list of just some of the action which could land you with a significantly lighter wallet when in Benidorm.

• Smoking on the beach - up to €2,000 (£1711)
• Swimming while the red flag is flying - €1,000 (£855)
• Sex on the beach - €750 (£641)
• Drinking alcohol on the beach - €750 (£641)
• Fishing with a rod - €750 (£641)
• Fishing with a harpoon - €1,100 (£941)
• Using shampoo and soap in beach showers - €650 (£556)
• Getting naked on a non-nudist beach - €650 (£556)
• Not covering up when you leave the beach - €300 (£256)
• Urinating in the sea - €150 (£128)
• Reserving a place with a parasol or towel - €150 (£128)
• Playing ball games outside of designated areas - €120 (£102)
• Building large sand sculptures - €150 (£128)

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Milo Boyd