Greece Expands Protected Beaches Amid Overtourism Concerns

In a move to combat overtourism, Greece has recently added more beaches to its list of protected areas, while prohibiting sunbed rentals and other commercial uses as the summer season approaches.

This month, the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy announced that the total number of protected beaches has reached 250, although some reports suggest the figure may be 251. Interestingly, this list has seen a rise from 238 beaches in 2025 and a drop from 198 the previous year.

The focus is primarily on lesser-known beaches, usually found in environmentally sensitive and remote coastal regions. However, officials have not specified which beaches were included in this latest update.

This initiative restricts the commercial activities on these beaches, which includes bans on renting out sunbeds and umbrellas. The aim, as stated by the ministry, is to protect coastlines of significant aesthetic, geomorphological, and ecological value, along with the unique flora and fauna that occupy these spaces.

The protective measures are also directed at preserving marine wildlife—species like monk seals and loggerhead sea turtles are notably at risk, according to reports.

Moreover, the initiative expands the coastline and beaches incorporated within the Natura 2000 Ecosystem Network, where activities that could potentially harm natural structures or ecological integrity are already banned.

As overtourism continues to be a pressing issue, especially on Greece’s busiest islands, authorities in Athens are also considering measures to regulate the construction of new hotels. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas expressed concerns about limiting new developments, indicating that the city “must not become Barcelona.” He noted, “we need to evaluate the demand for more hotels and their locations,” stressing the importance of managing tourist impact.

Last year, Greece saw an unprecedented influx of 38 million tourists, marking a 5.6% increase from the previous year. Arrivals from EU countries rose by 2.8%, while interest from non-EU nations surged by 10%. These statistics highlight the ongoing struggle to balance tourism with preservation efforts.