Greek authorities are launching a new aerial monitoring initiative, deploying drones to surveil beaches across the country following a surge of over 3,000 public complaints regarding unlawful occupation of coastal space, unauthorized sunbeds, and restricted access to public beaches.
In June alone, 2,667 reports were submitted, adding to 300 in May, painting a picture of continued illegal activity despite improvements compared to the chaotic summer of 2024.
Top offenders: East Attica and Halkidiki
Leading the list of violations are East Attica, with 396 complaints (106 from the Saronikos area), and Halkidiki, with 351. Other areas of concern include Magnesia (189), Rhodes (164), Corinth (101), and Preveza (133). Most complaints involve unauthorized sunbeds, fenced-off sections of beach, and businesses operating without formal leases.
Surveillance from the skies
Until now, inspections were conducted on foot by property management teams carrying official concession documents and measurement tools. However, as the peak of the tourist season approaches, the government will deploy drones to perform aerial photography, mapping, and surveillance, particularly in remote or high-traffic beach zones.
The move is supported by the MyCoast app, developed by the Ministry of Digital Governance. It allows citizens to submit reports and helps authorities verify the legality of current beach leases in real time.
Harsh penalties for violators
New laws allow for:
- Immediate removal of illegal installations within 48 hours.
- Fines of up to four times the lease value for unpermitted occupation.
- Sealing of businesses and suspension of operations in case of illegal activity.
- Ban from future concessions for 5 to 10 years depending on repeat violations.
- Fines between €2,000 and €60,000 for obstructing public access.
- €10,000 fines for impeding inspections.
Authorities emphasize their commitment to reclaiming public coastal spaces for communal use, ensuring that Greece’s iconic beaches remain accessible, regulated, and protected from unchecked commercialization.
