Thirteen additional beaches across Greece have been added to the country’s “Untouched Beaches” list, according to a joint announcement by the ministries of National Economy and Finance and Environment and Energy.

The decision amends a previous ministerial decree, strengthening the environmental protection framework by incorporating new coastlines into the registry. With the update, the total number of designated “untouched” beaches rises from 238 to 251. The move aims to safeguard coastal areas of exceptional aesthetic, geomorphological, or ecological significance, while preserving the habitats and species of flora and fauna they host.

In particular, the revision expands protections for beaches located within areas listed in the National Catalogue of the European ecological network Natura 2000. In these zones, any concession for commercial or general use is now prohibited, along with activities that could compromise their natural form or disrupt their ecological integrity.

The designation of “Untouched Beaches” is based on strict criteria, including the presence of protected habitats under EU or national legislation, rare endemic species, and ecosystems that play a critical role in supporting biodiversity. Many of these areas are also recognized as Key Biodiversity Areas, underscoring their importance for conservation, restoration, and long-term environmental balance.

Under the updated framework, a wide range of activities is explicitly banned. These include the use of motorized vehicles, the organization of events involving more than ten people, and the playing of amplified music or other electronically produced sounds.

The placement of temporary infrastructure—such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, or sunbeds—is also forbidden, as are commercial leisure services like the rental of water sports equipment. Even mobile or trailer-based refreshment stands are not permitted.

Together, these measures mark a significant step in Greece’s efforts to preserve some of its most pristine coastal environments from human impact.

Source: tovima.com

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