Greece deploys drones and QR codes to curb beach usurpation

Greek authorities have stepped up enforcement on coastal areas, deploying drones and QR-code checks while handing out fines running into the tens of thousands of euros to businesses that illegally occupy public beach space. The measures come amid complaints that sunbed and umbrella operators are taking over large stretches of sand and restricting access for ordinary beachgoers.

The report states: "First the drone buzzes above the beach, and then the inspectors arrive. With modern technology Greece has declared war on the 'beach mafia'. Sunbed renters take over beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas, often far beyond the surfaces for which they hold concessions. Because of this, the Ministry of Finance is tightening controls and imposing heavy fines.

For many Greek families this has been a source of dissatisfaction for years: whole stretches of the beaches are flooded with sunbeds and umbrellas that entrepreneurs rent to wealthy tourists at high prices. On famous islands such as Mykonos, one 'set' of two sunbeds and one umbrella costs 100 euros or more per day. Those who bring their folding chair or simply want to spread a towel on the sand often have almost no room in many places.

After a wave of protests across the country, the government two years ago introduced new rules for beach management. Since then concessions have been awarded centrally by the Ministry of Finance, not by municipalities. In the past, their allocation was often marked by nepotism and questionable contracts.

Increased inspections and heavy fines

The report continues: "This summer authorities have so far carried out about 1,500 inspections on 300 beaches. Inspectors have found hundreds of smaller and larger violations. On Rhodes they ordered the immediate closure of a beach business. The owner must pay a fine of 60,000 euros for obstructing free access to the coastal strip. An additional 13,000 euros were imposed for illegal appropriation of public space.

In the Ilia region one establishment was also closed and a fine of 5,668 euros was imposed. In Kavala inspectors found an entrepreneur without a concession. He had to immediately leave the beach and pay a fine of 15,912 euros. On Zakynthos inspectors found violations at four companies. The fines imposed exceeded a total of 80,000 euros.

The Ministry of Finance uses drones for remote surveillance. It is cooperating with the Aegean University, which provides the necessary technical expertise. But beachgoers themselves also play an important role in control.

Every beach entrepreneur must place an information board at their establishment. It lists not only the prices for sunbeds and umbrellas but also a QR code assigned by the Ministry of Finance. Anyone who scans it with a smartphone is redirected to the institution’s website where they can report violations.

If the mandatory board is missing, tourists can use the state application 'MyCoast' to check whether the beach bar, sunbed renter or provider of water sports services actually holds a valid concession.

Photo: press material from the event