Greece Designates 251 Beaches as Sunbed-Free for 2026
Greece has named 251 beaches in environmentally important areas where rented sunbeds and umbrellas will be banned starting in 2026. The measure aims to protect natural sites, including protected marine areas. This expands from 238 beaches last year and follows actions to address overtourism impacts.
jurist.orgThe designated areas include protected marine Natura 2000 sites that serve as habitats for endangered species such as loggerhead turtles and monk seals. The government stated that the initiative seeks to protect beaches with particular aesthetic, geomorphological, or ecological value, as well as preserve habitat types and plant and animal species in those locations.
The 2026 list marks an increase from 238 beaches in 2025 and 198 in 2024. Authorities have taken steps in recent years to remove illegal constructions along coasts as part of efforts to manage tourism's environmental effects.
In 2025, Greece recorded nearly 38 million tourist arrivals, excluding cruise ship traffic, setting new records for visitors and revenue, according to the country's central bank. Several mayors from the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands stated in December that overtourism was threatening the islands' existence.
Last year, controversy arose on the island of Milos regarding hotel construction near the Sarakiniko beach, known for its volcanic rock formations.
The government has announced the creation and expansion of national marine parks. It has also faced criticism over agreements for gas drilling in the Ionian Sea and south of Crete. These actions occur within Greece's multi-billion-euro travel industry.
“The initiative seeks to ensure the effective protection of beaches that have particular aesthetic, geomorphological or ecological value, as well as the preservation of the habitat types and the plant and animal species found on these specific beaches.”
