A sweeping wave of inspections is underway across Greek beaches, carried out by the Public Property Services with the assistance of drones, digital tools, and targeted on-site surveys. Wherever violations are detected, the prescribed enforcement measures are immediately applied. So far, the highest fines have been issued in Rhodes and Zakynthos, reaching €73,000 and €72,490 respectively.
According to data released by the General Secretariat of Public Property, the Property Services of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance have conducted more than 1,500 on-site inspections this summer across over 300 beaches, covering more than 450 businesses. These inspections make use of drones and the MyCoast digital app, which allows citizens to submit reports and complaints. Phone reports submitted directly to local Property Services offices are also being taken into account.
Greek beaches: Where are the most complaints being filed?
The highest number of complaints so far has been recorded in Halkidiki, Eastern Attica, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and Kavala. However, this year has seen fewer complaints compared to previous summers, as inspection results indicate a greater level of business compliance with Law 5092/2024.
According to Ministry data, more than 8,000 concession contracts have been signed for the current summer season. Of these, 4,870 involve direct concessions to adjacent businesses, while approximately 3,130 were awarded through electronic auction processes.
What inspectors found
The most common violations involve the unauthorized occupation of shoreline or beach areas without a concession agreement, exceeding the boundaries of a granted concession, obstructing free public access, and failure to display the required signage.
In Rhodes, one business was hit with an immediate removal order, a closure directive, and fines totaling €73,000 — of which €60,000 was for blocking public access to the shoreline and €13,000 for unlawful occupation of public property. An administrative eviction notice was also issued.
In Halkidiki, five businesses received immediate removal orders and closure directives, with additional protective measures still to follow.
In Ilia, one business was issued an immediate removal order, a closure directive, and a fine of €5,667.66 for obstructing public access to the shoreline.
In Kavala, a business operating without a lease agreement was issued an immediate removal order and a fine of €15,912.
In Zakynthos, on-site inspections revealed violations at four businesses for blocking public access to the shoreline, each receiving a €2,000 fine. A separate business was fined €72,490.60 and served with an administrative eviction order for encroaching on former shoreline public land.
On-site inspections are ongoing, and as part of a collaboration between the General Secretariat of Public Property and the University of the Aegean, remote monitoring checks are also being carried out.
