Greece has loads – and we mean loads – of beaches, including some of the world’s most beautiful. Its coastline, including the many thousands of islands, stretches more than 13,000km, so there are plenty of places to lay back and soak up the best of its sunny Mediterranean weather.
However, if you’re heading to one of the 251 beaches which are now protected by a government initiative, you’ll have to make do with lying on a towel, not a sunbed.
According to France24, the Greek Environment Ministry ‘seeks to ensure the effective protection of beaches that have particular aesthetic, geomorphological, or ecological value, as well as the preservation of the habitat types and the plant and animal species found on these specific beaches’.
Greece’s tourism economy is booming, and the country reportedly welcomed 38 million travellers in 2025 (which excludes cruise ship traffic). This measure has been put in place to avoid permanent damage to the environment that can result from excessive tourism.
The ruling means that no sunbeds, no parasols, and no temporary wooden structures are allowed on 251 beaches – up from 238 in 2024. Last week, crews were seen tearing down shacks which had been deemed a fire risk on the small island of Gavdos.
The government has also increased the number of beaches protected by the NATURA 2000 programme, an initiative which prohibits any transfer of use of the seashore and beach and bans any activities that could alter or damage its ecological role.
After all, Greece’s beaches aren’t just pretty places to sunbathe – many offer vital support to endangered creatures like loggerhead turtles or monk seals. Clearly worthy of protection, right?
🏖️ Check out ’s roundup of the best beaches in Europe.
Did you see that extreme summer heat could bring an end to outdoor dining in Spain?
Plus: The world’s 50 best beaches have been crowned for 2026.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.
