Athens, Greece - As temperatures soar this summer, beachgoers in the greater Athens-Piraeus area are facing skyrocketing prices for renting sunbeds and umbrellas at organized beaches.
According to reports, the cost of renting a sunbed and umbrella package at Alimos Beach, on Athens' southern coast, has reached up to 22 euros on weekends, with an additional 10 euros per person entrance fee. This means a family of four could pay as much as 62 euros just to secure their spot on the beach.
Similar price hikes have been observed at other popular beaches in the Attica prefecture, including:
Anavyssos Beach (southeast of Athens):
Sunbed & umbrella pack - 6 euros on weekdays, 20 euros on weekends; free entrance
Porto Rafti Beach (East Attica):
Sunbed & umbrella pack - 10 euros on weekdays, 15 euros on weekends; 5-7 euros per person entrance fee
Vouliagmeni Beach (southeast Athens):
Entrance fee - 10 euros per person, reduced to 5 euros for students, unemployed, seniors, and large families
Experts warn that prices may be adjusted further in the coming weeks, with front-row sunbeds potentially costing even more.
The surge in prices comes as the region braces for a scorching summer, heightening the importance of ensuring beach accessibility and compliance with the latest regulations. Under the new beach bill, 50% of the coastline must remain freely accessible to the public, and beachgoers can report any irregularities through the recently launched MyCoastApp.
Additionally, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has announced tax audits and compliance checks on businesses operating in the tourism sector, adding to the challenges faced by both beachgoers and service providers.