Report: How to respect the laws ruling access to Greek beaches
The recent proposed legislation on the use of Greece’s shoreline which was brought before the Greek Parliament contained an article – Number 34 – which stipulates that illegal structures for business purposes can be legalized with an appropriate fine, according to greekreporter.com.
The proposed amendment caused fierce reaction across Greece, mostly from ecology groups, on the grounds of environmental protection.
Nevertheless, the legislation brought to the surface the thorny issue of the ongoing exploitation of Greece’s coastal areas by private businesses. On the vast majority of beaches in Attica and tourist destinations throughout Greece, one has to pay dearly to enjoy what the businesses are enjoying for free.
The Greek Constitution states clearly that the country’s shoreline is considered a public good, and Greek citizens have the right to access and use beaches any time they please. Yet, no single person or company has the right to exploit a public beach or block access to any Greek citizen.
However, since the 1980s, shoreline use laws have been blatantly violated by both individuals and enterprises who use seaside areas solely for their own profit. It has come to the point that through the years, shoreline law violations are considered by most Greeks as actually legal.
For example, the law says that if a hotel is built right on the beach and there is no outside access to the beach, a citizen who wants to use it has the right to walk through the hotel to reach the beach.
Even though the Constitution says that Greek beaches are public property, the laws regarding coastal use are so complicated that deceitful individuals have found loopholes to circumvent them and “privatize” public beaches for their benefit alone.
Since local authorities, including municipalities, have jurisdiction over the seaside areas which belong to them, they are responsible for issuing permits to firms on the beach. But from the moment one obtains a permit to operate such businesses, the law can be bent at will. Often, this is based on the general public’s ignorance of the law and their Constitutional rights to enjoy the water.
In many cases, seaside businesses bribe the authorities to obtain their license to operate. Following that, they bribe inspectors or the police in order to stay in business. This happens so often that it is considered standard procedure for most.
Public beaches in Greece arbitrarily “privatized” for profit
Since the 1980s, nearly all popular beaches in Greece have been encroached upon by development. Most are leased by the local municipality with a license for tourism business. And then the violations begin, to the point that a whole beachside area becomes a private business.
Some owners have even been known to employ security guards to block access to those who are aware of the law and their Constitutional rights.
Greek law further stipulates that sunbeds and umbrellas are not allowed to cover more than 50 percent of any beach. There must be corridors at least one meter (3.4 feet) wide for beachgoers to be able to pass through. Sunbeds must also be situated at a distance of five meters (seventeen feet) away from the water.
More than one sunbed and umbrella business can operate on a beach. However, there must be a distance of 100 meters between one sunbed vendor and the next. They are also only allowed to cover half of any one beach.
One is not allowed to operate a seaside restaurant on a sandy beach, no matter how far from the water it is constructed. Beach canteens are not allowed to exceed 15 square meters (738 feet) in size, and they need a special license to operate.
Canteens are not permitted to have loudspeakers for music, and they must be 100 meters (300 feet) away from other beachfront businesses.
Placing any kind of barriers on the sand is illegal, as beaches are regarded as a public good. Cementing off a beach is also illegal.
Loud sound systems operating in any public place are also illegal, and music must not be louder than 50 decibels. Lighting needs to be low and only necessary for safety reasons.
Free camping on a public beach is totally prohibited throughout Greece. Topless sunbathing is officially against the law in the country as well, although many women do it. However, there are designated nudist beaches where it is allowed for someone to go topless or naked.
Building a private home on a beach is also not allowed anywhere in Greece. If the private home is already built, the owner is obligated to permit people to pass safely through their property. Zoning authorities are legally liable if they don’t report illegal beachside houses.
But maddeningly, one single visit to a popular beach is proof that none of the above conditions are being obeyed. Nearly all the nice beaches in Attica are leased, blocked and even charge steep entrance fees.
Once inside, in most cases, there will be an obnoxious sound system blaring popular tunes at 100 decibels.
If a beach is not blocked off, visitors will have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas, because nearly 100 percent of the beach is covered by them — and the ones in the first row are literally on the water’s edge.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Squirmy2000
- 1) 'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
- 2) Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
- 3) UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
- 4) Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
23/04 23:52
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
23/04 21:49
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
23/04 20:59
President of the Hellenic Republic wrapping up visit to Uruguay at parliament
23/04 15:44
Greek government will pass legislation halving commission paid for POS transactions
23/04 15:03
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
22/04 22:33
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
22/04 21:25
22/04 20:37
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
22/04 18:29
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
22/04 13:40
19/04 01:29
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
18/04 21:49
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
18/04 20:32
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
18/04 20:17
18/04 17:40
17/04 21:06
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
17/04 20:57
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
17/04 20:52
17/04 18:15
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
17/04 17:12
16/04 21:02
NHM hosts the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17
16/04 20:17
Greece will invest $830 million to protect marine biodiversity
16/04 01:46
New York Greek Independence Parade honors 1821 and solemn Cyprus Anniversary
16/04 01:35
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
16/04 00:29
European Committee of Regions and UN release study on Rural Tourism
15/04 20:41
15/04 19:58
Minister: Greece is transforming into a hub for exporting quality agri-food products
15/04 18:51
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
13/04 00:13
UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
12/04 00:03
2024 marks a critical year in the enduring strength of Greek-German relations
12/04 00:00
11/04 22:07
Ambassador: US committed to upgrade of Greek military and support NATO's SE flank
11/04 19:40
Hellenic Pride on display at rainy Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade
11/04 02:06
Delphi Economic Forum IX: Energy collaboration a 'key' in Greek-Bulgarian relations
11/04 01:58
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Albania sector
10/04 19:01
Greek FinMin: New package of economic measures in 2025 to lower taxes, raise pensions
10/04 18:25
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running
09/04 23:57
Greek PM on Tilos: Innovative projects for a cyclical economy are of key significance
09/04 23:55
UN Tourism members promote agenda for Europe as region leads global recovery
09/04 23:46
HFS presents 1968, Rousing Docudrama about Greece’s First European Cup April 21
09/04 22:48
Stolen 7th-century BC oenochoe returned to Greece by Hanover museum, municipality
09/04 22:42
Greek civil servants confederation ADEDY to strike on May 21
09/04 21:55
Greek Migration Minister meets Senior US Coordinator for Lawful Migration
08/04 23:48
08/04 23:41
Elliniko-Argyroupoli Mayor marches in Greek Independence Philadelphia Parade
08/04 21:53
Project Voria casino complex in Maroussi moving ahead after environmental report
08/04 21:36
Minister: Up to 120 delegations to take part in 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
08/04 19:22
Direct flight from Shanghai to Athens offers access to key tourism market for Greece
08/04 18:31
AI conference to attract distinguished speakers to Thessaloniki on April 25-27
04/04 23:28
City of San Jose marks March 25 with 16th Annual Greek Flag Raising Event
04/04 22:16
Urban plans published for seven townships in Thessaloniki and Attica of Greece
04/04 17:24
FinMin: The new EU economic and fiscal framework is good for Greece
04/04 15:30
Greek PM meets with the chiefs of the international pharmaceutical manufacturers
04/04 00:15
Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace meets US Embassy Deputy Mission Chief
03/04 20:12
Syracuse AHEPA Chapter 37 marks March 25th Greek Independence Day
03/04 18:10
Greece's Delphi Economic Forum on April 10-13 to focus on 'The Great Transition'
03/04 16:42
Minister: Industrial production has returned to the pre-crisis levels in Greece
02/04 18:06
30/03 23:21
Eleni Gatzoyiannis scholarship offered to Greek students at Boston University
29/03 16:44
3rd edition of 'This is Athens - City Festival' with 250+ events from May 1 until June 2
29/03 15:53
Athens Metro station Aghia Varvara to stay closed on Saturday and Sunday
29/03 13:55
Greek Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy concludes visit to Montenegro
29/03 12:00
29/03 11:51
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
22/03 14:19
22/03 00:24
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
22/03 00:02
Hellenic Police acquires first electric VAN-type highway patrol vehicle
21/03 22:41
21/03 15:33
Unseen Museum presents "The stele of the twin babies" exhibition in Athens
20/03 22:48
Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
20/03 21:52
Greek Deputy Minister of Justice meets delegation from US Embassy in Athens
20/03 21:44
Greek Interior Minister to visit United States and Canada on postal vote
20/03 20:55
Philadelphia Icarians mark 85th Anniversary and organize Apokriatiko Dance
20/03 18:01
Development Minister: We continue the battle against high prices in Greece
19/03 22:28
President of the Hellenic Republic meets her Ethiopian counterpart in Athens
19/03 20:57
19/03 20:25
FinMIn: Moody’s analysis records significant progress in the Greek economy
19/03 11:15
Sector chiefs report: Good news for Greek tourism in 2024 at ITB Berlin
18/03 22:20
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association honors Past Supreme President
16/03 13:01
Greek Deputy Foreign Μinister meets her Slovenian counterpart in Athens
16/03 12:56
Greek-Canadian Diaspora to welcome Greek Prime Minister to Toronto
16/03 11:28
Greek Migration Minister visits refugee hosting facilities in Kavala, Drama and Serres
15/03 21:50
Greek Minister announces conference on defence ecosystem in Athens from Lithuania
15/03 13:45
PM: More than 80 hospitals and 156 health centres being upgraded in Greece
15/03 12:55
Piraeus Port and Genoa Chambers of Commerce ink memorandum of cooperation
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
Greek government will pass legislation halving commission paid for POS transactions
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
President of the Hellenic Republic wrapping up visit to Uruguay at parliament
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
Prime Minister: Greece is Serbia's most stable ally in its European prospect
Resilience through diversity and investments the aim of UN Tourism visit to Jamaica
EU forecasts Greece 2024 growth at 2.3%, Eurozone’s fourth-highest rate
Greek Deputy Transport Minister flies in first test seaplane flight from Lavrio port
Greek Tourism Minister concludes meetings with luxury travel officials in New York
Rally concludes with farmer tractors leaving Athens on Wednesday morning
Greek archaeologists discover ten ancient shipwrecks off Aegean island of Kasos
DEFEA Conference to be held at Stavros Niarchos Foundation in Athens on May 15
Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation presents lecture with US University President
AEGEAN concludes transfer of stake in Animawings to Memento Group
Price cuts of up to 15% in important product categories in Greece after March 1
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
Culture Ministry: Schwartz Mansion in Ampelakia near Larisa to get new lighting