May 13, 2026
Greece is tightening rules on some of its most sensitive coastal areas as pressure from tourism and climate change grows. The number of beaches placed under the country’s “untouched beaches” protection scheme has risen from 238 to 251 after 13 new locations were added to the list. The decision means that selected beaches with high aesthetic, geomorphological and ecological value will no longer be open to commercial beach use, including rented sunbeds, umbrellas, tables, chairs or temporary structures.
Protected beach list rises to 251
The updated decision was announced by Greece’s Ministry of National Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Environment and Energy. It revises the previous framework for “untouched beaches” and adds 13 more coastal areas to the protected list.
The aim is to preserve beaches that are considered important for their natural landscape, ecological role and environmental value. The measure also focuses on protecting habitats, plant species and animal life connected to these coastal zones.
No commercial use rights in protected areas
On the beaches included in the scheme, the right to lease or transfer simple use of the shore and beach will not be granted. This means the areas cannot be used in the same way as organised commercial beaches.
Any action that could damage the coastline’s morphology or weaken its ecological functions will also be barred. The rule applies to interventions that may change the natural form of the beach or disturb protected habitats.
Sunbeds, umbrellas and loud events banned
The restrictions cover several common beach activities. Placing movable equipment such as sunbeds, umbrellas, tables and chairs will not be allowed.
Motor vehicles will also be banned from these areas. Events involving more than ten people, music or amplified sound through electronic devices, sea recreation rental activities and mobile or trailer food and drink vehicles will also be prohibited.
Natura 2000 coastal areas included
The list includes beaches located within areas that are part of the European Natura 2000 ecological network. These coastal zones will now be subject to stricter protection rules.
The selection criteria include the presence of protected habitats, rare endemic plant and animal species, ecological functions for protected species, key biodiversity areas and ecosystems that require conservation, protection or restoration.
A response to pressure on Greece’s coastline
The move comes as Greece faces growing debate over how its beaches are used during the tourism season. Increasing tourism activity, coastal development and the effects of climate change have placed pressure on fragile coastal ecosystems.
With the expanded protection list, authorities are seeking to limit uncontrolled use in selected areas while keeping beaches with high environmental value closer to their natural state.
Kos sunbed dispute reached court
The issue of sunbed access in Greece has also drawn attention through a separate legal case involving a German tourist. The man travelled to Kos with his family in August 2024 and later took legal action against his tour operator after claiming that sunbeds at the hotel were systematically reserved with towels.
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According to the complaint, the family struggled each day to find a place where all four of them could relax, and hotel staff allegedly refused to intervene despite a policy banning guests from reserving sunbeds with towels.
A regional court in Hanover ruled that the package holiday had been defective because it failed to provide the standard the buyer was contractually entitled to expect. The court awarded the tourist a refund of 986.70 euros.
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