Greece tries to rein in sunbed chaos amid increased tourism

·

The waves of the Aegean Sea softly wash on the tables and chairs of two beach restaurants in Greece’s Halkidiki peninsula, creating what can be described as an exquisite setting, yet one that is completely illegal.

According to The Australian, only after local protests last summer about bars and restaurants illegally covering beaches with sunbeds and tables is the Greek state taking action, cracking down on rogue tourist practices with surveillance drones, satellite imagery and a special app on which people can post complaints.

64-year-old pensioner, Evgenia Rapti, who has a summer home near Pefkochori beach, is one of many locals outraged by the inexorable growth of Greece’s tourism industry.

Sunbed wars: Greece tries to rein in beach chaos. Photo republic online.
Sunbed wars: Greece tries to rein in beach chaos. Photo: Republic online.

“The whole beach has been taken over” with tables, chairs and deckchairs. When we bought our house 40 years ago, it was completely different. The beach was empty and it was nice to lie there,” Rapti said.

Beach activist, George Theodoridis weighed in on the matter, speaking to the importance of the app that helps locals with complaints.

“I can click directly in the app at the location where I am and file a report saying that (this private operator) does not have a licence,” Theodoridis said.

Close to 6,000 complaints from the public have been logged on a national scale via the new, official, MyCoast app since April this year.

This follows new laws made in March of this year that have stated umbrellas and deck chairs must be at least four metres from the water, with rentals not permitted on beaches that have less than four metres of sand.

Source: The Australian

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Konstantinos Argiros makes history with Sydney Opera House performance

Konstantinos Argiros made history on Monday night as one of the first Greek artists ever to perform at the Sydney Opera House.

Liberal Leader Sussan Ley pays tribute to the Greek community on OXI Day 2025

As Greeks commemorate OXI Day 2025, Federal Liberal Leader Sussan Ley MP has paid tribute to the courage and unity of the Greek people.

UK strikes £8 billion fighter jet deal with Turkey in landmark NATO agreement

The United Kingdom has finalised an £8 billion agreement to supply Turkey with 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

Australia stands with Greece: Prime Minister Albanese’s message for OXI Day

On the 85th anniversary of OXI Day, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shared a heartfelt message.

Democracy on the big screen: Youth shine at the 13th Greek Student Film Festival

13th Greek Student Film Festival - staged within Sydney's 30th Greek Film Festival - filled the cinema with laughter and plenty of Greek.

You May Also Like

Mark Bouris slams Albanese government’s foreign buyer house ban

Mark Bouris has criticised the Albanese government’s new housing policy, arguing it will do little to ease pressure on the market.

Greece defeat Serbia in women’s international rugby league match

A crowd of over 500 in Bojnik saw Greece’s women just hold on to defeat Serbia 8-4 in a senior international and lift the Balkan Cup.

Alexis Tsipras meets with Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo to give support ahead of election

Alexis Tsipras travelled to Paris on Wednesday to give his support to mayor Anne Hidalgo ahead of the March 15 election in France.