Greek locals fed up with sunbed-covered beaches are relying on drones and a citizen reporting app to combat overcrowding. Greek beaches covered in deckchairs are becoming a rarer sight as drones patrol to enforce new rules. Restaurants, bars and rental companies without a permit for beach seating are being targeted.
The drones also scope out establishments placing seating too close to the sea - deckchairs and umbrellas must be at least four metres from the shore, according to legislation introduced in March. This means rental chairs are no longer allowed on beaches that are less than four metres wide. The drones are being assisted by local citizens via the MyCoast digital app, which lists legal establishments and encourages users to report violations.
Earlier this month, local news outlets reported that over 1,000 complaints were received resulting in over €350,000 in fines in just five days. “Our goal is to , on the one hand, both the environment and the citizens’ right to free access to the beach, and on the other hand, to preserve our tourist product as well as the healthy entrepreneurship represented by business people who do the job right,” stated Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis. Recent inspections have focused on 14 , in particular shielding those in protected ‘Natura’ areas from illegal placement of umbrellas and seating.
Kryoneri beach on the country’s northwest coast received 169 complaints earlier this month - the most .
