Greece has increased the number of beaches it is banning sunloungers, loud music and watersports on to protect its natural beauty.
Greece’s financial and environmental ministries said in a joint statement this week that it is increasing the number of its “untouched beaches” to 250.
A beach with an “untouched” status in Greece means that certain restrictions on commercial activities are put in place to protect the environment, although visitors still have access.
This means that businesses will not be able to place furniture on the sand for commercial use such as umbrellas, tables or chairs.
Tourists will also not be able to rent watersports equipment as pedalos, jet skis and kayaks are also prohibited.
Mobile or trailer-mounted refreshment stands will, however, be able to operate, selling drinks and snacks to beachgoers.
The ministries say that existing contracts on the foreshore and beach remain unaffected until their expiration.
Alongside this, events of more than 10 people, along with large-scale amplifying sound equipment, will be banned, as will cars driving on the sand.
The “untouched beaches” are chosen due to the uniqueness of their landscapes as well as its scientific and ecological value.
The ministries said the restrictions are imposed to preserve habitats and species of flora and fauna.
The protected beaches span across much of Greece and its island groups, including in Symi, Naxos, Sifnos, Tilos, Rhodes, Corfu, Lefkada, Kissamos in Crete and more.
Leipsoi, a Dodecanese island in Greece, now has one of the most protected shorelines in the country, as it has the most “untouched beaches” out of any municipality, with 23 in total.
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