Greece raises the level of coastal protection and expands the number of its “untouched beaches”: in 2026, the number of coastlines where bathing concessions, sunbeds, umbrellas and other temporary structures will be prohibited will rise to 251. A choice that aims to defend fragile ecosystems, still intact landscapes and areas of high naturalistic value, many of which fall within the European Natura 2000 network.
The announcement comes from the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, which has updated the list of the so-called Apatites Paraliesliterally “inviolable beaches” or “pristine beaches”: coastal areas subjected to a strengthened protection regime to limit the impact of intensive tourism and preserve biodiversity.
What changes on protected beaches
On the 251 beaches included in the new list it will not be possible to install rental sunbeds and umbrellas, nor to create walkways, temporary kiosks or other structures linked to the commercial exploitation of the beach. Interventions that could modify the natural morphology of the coast or compromise the ecological functioning of the present habitats will also be prohibited.
In practice, these are beaches that will remain free and natural, with access permitted but without the typical transformation of many seaside resorts with high tourist pressure.
The answer to overtourism
The measure is part of a broader strategy with which Athens is trying to manage the effects of the tourist boom that has affected the Greek islands and coasts for years. In recent years the increase in visitors, accommodation facilities and beach concessions has fueled local protests and sparked debate on the right of access to the sea.
In 2023 the civic movement of “towel protests” – born especially in the Cyclades – had denounced the excessive occupation of beaches by private establishments, asking for more controls and more public spaces. The new expansion of protected beaches is also seen as a response to those social pressures.
Where the new protected areas are located
Among the added or strengthened areas there are areas of great landscape and naturalistic value such as:
Many of these locations are home to coastal dunes, seagrasses, wetlands, nesting sites and habitats for rare species.
Here is the list of all protected beaches.
Natura 2000 and climate change
The decision takes on particular weight also in light of the climate crisis. Coastal erosion, rising seas, fires and urban pressure are making Mediterranean ecosystems increasingly vulnerable.
Protecting stretches of coast that are still intact means conserving natural barriers against storm surges and floods, maintaining ecological corridors and defending sensitive species such as sea turtles, migratory birds and dune flora.
A model for the Mediterranean?
The Greek choice could also become a reference for other Mediterranean countries, including Italy, where the debate between beach concessions, free access to the sea and environmental protection remains very open.
The basic idea is simple: not all beaches must be transformed into a tourist product. Some, due to their ecological and landscape value, can simply remain what they are: nature.
