Citizens have submitted more than 10,000 complaints via the myCoast app last month, July 2024, over alleged beach violations in Greece, prompting authorities to conduct multiple inspections on beaches and coastlines around the country.
Special task force units have carried out over 5,000 inspections nationwide of more than 1,100 businesses so far. Over the past week authorities, in collaboration with Greek Police and local municipal crews, inspected more than 290 businesses.
The complaints were primarily submitted through the MyCoast app, followed by telephone calls from citizens to local property services offices.
The general impression from the high number of inspections in recent weeks is significantly improved compared to previous years, as the majority of businesses operating on the beaches have complied with new rules and a legal framework, or adhered to their contract with various public sector entities.
However, the inspections also revealed several violations, ranging from a lack of posted signs to exceeding the space allocated for umbrellas, sunbeds and seating, along with the existence of unauthorized structures, and even cases of unauthorized occupation without a concession agreement.
The fines imposed on businesses in violation of relevant regulations so far total over 1.15 million euros, with the process of imposing additional fines and administrative measures still ongoing.
According to authorities, the regions with the most complaints and prioritized for inspections are:
Halkidiki: 1,873 complaints were examined, 234 in the last week. Inspections were conducted on 19 beaches and 148 businesses, with 8 beaches and 53 businesses inspected just last week.
East Attica: 1,396 complaints were examined, 1,157 in the last week. Inspections on 20 beaches and 58 businesses revealed 12 violations, with corresponding administrative measures imposed.
Preveza: 873 complaints were examined. Inspection teams checked 6 beaches and 35 businesses, identifying three violations.
The Dodecanese islands: 754 complaints were examined, 591 in the last week. Drone flights were conducted in Kallithea and Faliraki to capture the current situation. Inspections on 14 beaches and 25 businesses found 7 violations.
The Cyclades islands: This region received a relatively low number of complaints this year. Around 450 complaints have been inspected. In Paros, almost all complaints were inspected in collaboration with the Municipality of Paros, covering about 10 different beaches and 37 businesses, with only one violation found.
Corfu: 352 complaints were examined, 27 in the last week. Inspections on 4 beaches and 6 businesses resulted in 5 administrative measures.
The Cretan port city of Chania: 199 complaints were examined overall. Inspections on 7 beaches and 19 businesses revealed 8 violations, with administrative measures in progress.
Users can report incidents of beach violations in Greece in real-time using the myCoast app after accessing the concession status of the specific beach. In cases where users observe restricted access or unauthorized installations like extra recliners or umbrellas on the shoreline or in the water, they are encouraged to report the incident.
