Greece slaps sunbed ban on hundreds of beaches in tourism crackdown

Ed Griffiths
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:47:11 +0000

Greece has introduced a ban on sunbeds across over 250 beaches, forcing holidaymakers to swap their loungers for towels or sit directly on the sand.

The measure targets the growing problem of overtourism while also restricting commercial developments such as hotel beach sections and umbrella hire services.

Authorities want these coastal stretches to remain in their unspoilt condition.

Visitors seeking beach bars or rental equipment will need to find alternative locations.

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The restrictions form part of a broader effort to preserve Greece's most treasured shorelines.

Some sites are facing even tighter controls under European environmental protection schemes.

Beaches designated under the Natura 2000 programme face particularly stringent regulations, with hotels prohibited from cordoning off private sections and required to keep all areas accessible to the public.

Construction of concrete piers, sea walls or paved pathways is also forbidden to maintain the natural appearance of these protected coastlines.

The Greek Environment Ministry said that the ban "seeks to effectively protect beaches that have particular aesthetic, geomorphological or ecological value, as well as to preserve the types of habitats and the species of flora and fauna found on these beaches".

Officials noted any activity threatening the morphology or ecological integrity of these sites is now prohibited.

Among the affected locations is Elafonissi Beach, situated on Greece's southwest coast and designated as a protected Natura 2000 nature reserve.

The stunning destination claimed second place globally in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, having also secured 15th position among European beaches in the World's Best Beaches 2025 rankings.

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Reaching the site requires visitors to wade through a shallow lagoon, adding to its secluded appeal.

The beach is celebrated for its distinctive pink-hued sand, created by crushed seashells, though taking any shells or sand from the area is strictly forbidden.

One recent visitor described it as "one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world".

Beyond Elafonissi, the ban extends to numerous other popular destinations, including Kalamaki Beach close to Athens, Tobruk Beach near Heraklion, and multiple beaches across the island of Samos.

The restrictions follow recent enforcement action.

Riot police were dismantling illegal shacks on Gavdos, an island located south of Crete.

Travellers planning a Greek holiday can verify which beaches are covered by the new rules by downloading the Gov.gr MyCoast app, which displays a comprehensive map of all 251 affected locations.

This allows visitors to plan their trips accordingly and identify beaches where sunbed hire and other amenities remain available.