Greece's Finance Minister, Costis Hadzidakis, has pledged to intensify inspections of beach bars and businesses offering rented seaside chaise lounges and umbrellas. The move comes in response to complaints from beachgoers who find it challenging to secure a spot on the sand due to non-paying visitors occupying the amenities.
Hadzidakis issued a stern statement, emphasizing that law violations would not be tolerated, revealing plans for increased inspections. Private beaches are illegal in Greece, as the constitution designates all coastal areas as state property with guaranteed public access.
The country's popularity as a tourism destination has led to a surge in vacationers, driving up the demand for beaches offering sun loungers, shelters, refreshments, and, unfortunately, loud music. Local authorities lease sections of beaches to entrepreneurs during the summer months, allowing them to provide amenities. However, some entrepreneurs have been accused of going beyond their lease agreements, occupying entire beaches and even barring non-paying visitors from setting up on the beach.
This growing issue has sparked protests on popular Aegean Sea resort islands like Paros, Naxos, and Serifos, leading to the media dubbing the movement "the beach towel revolt," as beachgoers used to bring their own towels before rented chairs became widespread.
In response to the complaints and protests, Greece's top prosecutor has ordered an investigation. The Finance Ministry has already taken action, finding three companies operating on two Paros beaches in breach of their lease agreements, and they will be ordered to leave.
The intensified inspections and commitment to addressing the beach bar violations aim to preserve public access to Greece's coastline and ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all beachgoers.
