Greece enforces coastline rules with 1,500 inspections; biggest fine €73,000

Greek authorities stepped up summer controls on the coastline using drones and other modern technological tools, carrying out more than 1,500 inspections across over 300 beaches and 450 businesses as part of enforcement of the legal framework that protects beaches and guarantees public access.

Inspections were carried out by the state property services attached to the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, which also reviews reports submitted by citizens either by phone or through the MyCoast mobile application. The ministry said the most complaints so far have come from Halkidiki, Kavala, parts of eastern Attica and the wider Athens area, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, where targeted checks are under way.

Results from field checks showed both fewer complaints and a number of financial penalties.

Major sanctions on Rhodes and Zakynthos among others

According to the ministry, where violations are found the prescribed sanctions are applied immediately. A business on the island of Rhodes received a closure order and fines totalling 73,000 euros for obstructing access to the coastline and for unlawful use of state land. On Zakynthos four businesses were each fined 2,000 euros for impeding access to the shore, and another operator on the island was ordered to pay a fine of 72,490.60 euros for illegal use of the beach.

Other penalties were imposed elsewhere: five businesses in Halkidiki were fined, and in Kavala a business operating without a lease was penalised with a fine of 15,912 euros.

“It is particularly important that this year the lowest number of complaints has been recorded compared with previous years. This trend, combined with the picture from the field inspections, indicates a significantly increased level of compliance by businesses with the rules for the use of the coastline and beaches,” the ministry said. “The controls continue throughout the summer season. The aim is timely intervention in every breach of the law, protection of the public character of the beaches, accessible to all, and ensuring free access for citizens to the coastline,” the ministry added.

Photo: press material from the event