Greece has expanded its 'Untrodden Beaches' initiative, adding 13 new locations to bring the total to 251 protected beaches, according to multiple reports. The initiative, which started in 2024 with 198 beaches, now covers a wider network of shorelines within the Natura 2000 ecological network. The Greek Environment Ministry stated that the expansion "seeks to effectively protect beaches that have particular aesthetic, geomorphological or ecological value, as well as to preserve the types of habitats and the species of flora and fauna found on these beaches."
The new regulations ban sunbeds, umbrellas, speakers, organized sports events, private hotel areas, and commercial activities on these beaches, multiple reports said. The ban also covers construction of permanent structures, concrete piers, sea walls, and paved paths. The ministry added that "the number of shorelines and beaches within areas included in the National List of Areas of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 is increasing and in which the granting of simple use, as well as any other action that may endanger their morphology and their integrity in terms of their ecological functions, is now prohibited."
We pull upwards to lock it in place before attaching a chain and a marker buoy.
In a parallel effort to protect marine habitats, eco-mooring systems are being tested near Athens at Porto Rafti to protect Posidonia seagrass meadows from anchor damage, according to reports. The system involves drilling about three meters into the seabed and attaching a chain and marker buoy. Commercial diver Makis Sotiropoulos explained: "We pull upwards to lock it in place before attaching a chain and a marker buoy." The project is coordinated by Greece's Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy. Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, Secretary General of the ministry, said: "When we establish a nationwide network of mooring buoys, then those with boats will be able to tie up safely, quickly and efficiently and at the same time the seabed will not be damaged."
Greece has more than 13,000 kilometers of shoreline, and roughly 70% of its coastal seabed is covered by Posidonia meadows, according to reports. Posidonia seagrass is classified by the EU as a 'priority ecosystem' and helps capture carbon, produce oxygen, filter water, and support biodiversity. Researcher Maria Salomidi of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research said: "Posidonia is among our best allies in the fight against climate change and deserves our full attention." The Greek Organisation for Natural Environment and Climate Change describes anchoring as "one of the most significant threats" to Posidonia. Diver and NGO member Rouli Prinianaki noted: "Very often I have observed anchors lying on Posidonia meadows." The timeline for nationwide implementation of the eco-mooring system and specific enforcement mechanisms for the beach regulations remain unclear.
When we establish a nationwide network of mooring buoys, then those with boats will be able to tie up safely, quickly and efficiently and at the same time the seabed will not be damaged.
Posidonia is among our best allies in the fight against climate change and deserves our full attention.
Very often I have observed anchors lying on Posidonia meadows.
Seeks to effectively protect beaches that have particular aesthetic, geomorphological or ecological value, as well as to preserve the types of habitats and the species of flora and fauna found on these beaches.
In particular, the number of shorelines and beaches within areas included in the National List of Areas of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 is increasing and in which the granting of simple use, as well as any other action that may endanger their morphology and their integrity in terms of their ecological functions, is now prohibited.