Beach inspections intensify as business in Kavala fined €15,912

Greece has intensified inspections at beaches across the country as authorities step up enforcement of regulations designed to protect public access to the coastline. More than 1,500 inspections have been carried out at over 300 beaches and 450 businesses, with a business in Kavala fined €15,912 for operating without a lease agreement.

The inspections are being conducted by the Property Services of Greece’s Ministry of National Economy and Finance, with particular attention being given to areas where a high number of public complaints have been recorded.

The new inspection system makes extensive use of drones and other advanced technological tools, complementing on-site inspections and allowing authorities to identify violations more quickly. Under a partnership between the General Secretariat of Public Property and the University of the Aegean, remote inspections are also being conducted, significantly expanding authorities’ ability to monitor beaches.

Technology is being used alongside field inspections to identify cases involving unauthorized occupation of beaches or the use of areas beyond the limits granted under concession agreements. The approach is intended to make inspections more targeted and effective, including in areas where regular physical monitoring is more difficult.

The MyCoast application has become a key tool in the enforcement system, with most complaints submitted through the platform. Authorities also receive reports directly from citizens by telephone through local Property Services.

Officials said the number of complaints recorded so far this year is the lowest compared with previous years. Combined with findings from field inspections, this suggests a significantly higher level of compliance among businesses with regulations governing the use of beaches and coastal areas.

The majority of businesses are complying with the obligations established under Law 5092/2024, according to the authorities.

The highest number of complaints nationwide has so far been recorded in Halkidiki, Eastern Attica, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and Kavala, where targeted inspection operations are already underway.

Major violations and fines
Authorities said that when violations are identified, sanctions are imposed immediately. The most common violations include unauthorized occupation of beaches without a concession agreement, exceeding the permitted concession area with additional umbrellas or other structures, obstructing public access and failing to display the required information sign.

In Rhodes, one business was ordered to remove unauthorized structures and seal its premises and was fined a total of €73,000. The penalties included €60,000 for obstructing access to the beach and €13,000 for encroaching on public property. An administrative eviction order was also issued.

In Halkidiki, five businesses were issued removal orders and sealing orders, with additional measures to follow.

In Ilia, a business was ordered to remove unauthorized structures, its premises were ordered to be sealed and it was fined €5,667.66 for obstructing access to the beach.

In Kavala, a business operating without a lease agreement was issued a removal order and fined €15,912.

In Zakynthos, inspections identified violations involving obstruction of beach access at four businesses, with each receiving a €2,000 fine. Another business was fined €72,490.60 and issued an administrative eviction order for encroachment on an old shoreline area.

Inspections will continue throughout the summer season. Authorities say the goal is to intervene immediately when violations are detected, protect the public and common-use character of Greece’s beaches and ensure citizens’ free access to the coastline.

More than 8,000 beach concession agreements signed
Alongside the intensified inspections, Property Services have processed a particularly high volume of applications for concessions allowing the simple use of beaches and coastal areas.

More than 8,000 concession agreements have so far been signed for the summer season. Of these, 4,870 agreements were signed directly with neighboring businesses, while approximately 3,130 agreements were awarded through electronic competitive auctions.

The full digitization of the concession system and the introduction of two specialized digital platforms have helped accelerate the process. One platform is used by neighboring businesses to submit applications electronically, while the other facilitates online auctions.

According to the ministry, the new system has reduced bureaucracy, accelerated the completion of concession procedures and improved transparency and services for businesses.

The Ministry of National Economy and Finance says the country is implementing a unified framework for beach management, combining clear rules for commercial activity, digital procedures, enhanced inspections using modern technology and strict penalties for violations.

The stated aim is to ensure the responsible use of public property, support lawful business activity and Greek tourism, and, above all, protect the public and common-use character of Greece’s beaches and coastline.