The Greek Health Ministry has published an updated list of 13 coastal areas in Attica where swimming is strictly forbidden due to poor water quality, according to tovima.com.
The ministry’s directive notes that these sites do not comply with national and EU safety standards for bathing waters. The restricted zones primarily include port areas, stormwater outlets, and locations near wastewater treatment plants.
Prohibited Swimming Areas
- All ports, permanent mooring zones, shipyards, and shipbreaking sites
- From Piraeus port to Perama
- From Skaramangas to Aspropyrgos beach
- The ports of Skafaki, Stavros Themistokleous Coast, the Hellenic Naval Academy, plus 100 meters on either side of Miramare
- From the northern edge of Mikrolimano to the Xirotagaro coastline
- Left side of Edem beach near the Edem Restaurant, and 100 meters on either side of the Pikrodafni stream outlet
- Left side of Sounio beach, in front of Akrogiali Restaurant
- 50 meters on either side of stormwater drainage outlets
- 200 meters on either side of wastewater treatment and similar discharge points
- From Lavrio shipyards and port to the PPC power station (swimming permitted between Helmi Beach and Theatre Beach in Thorikos)
- Outer waters along the windward pier of Rafina port
- 200 meters around biological treatment discharge points in Nea Makri and Marathon, including THALA and Air Force facilities (swimming allowed at KEDA/Z beach facilities)
- 200 meters on either side of the Asopos River outlet
The Health Ministry stressed that inspections will continue throughout the summer season. Local authorities and the coast guard have been instructed to carry out frequent water testing, identify pollution sources, and install clear signage at affected sites.
This update follows last month’s decision to revoke the “Blue Flag” status from 12 Greek beaches that failed to meet international standards of cleanliness. Despite these restrictions, Greece consistently ranks among the top countries worldwide for clean seas and bathing waters.
Source: tovima.com
