Untouched beaches are not just “nice views” – they are some of the last stretches of coast where nature still functions almost undisturbed.
Here you can find the key rules that define what an “untouched beach” is, what activities are allowed or strictly forbidden, and how your rights as a visitor are balanced with the need to protect fragile habitats.
Free public access to sea and beaches
Ministerial Decision 49853 ΕΞ 2024: Free public access to sea and beaches
Defines the right of free and unobstructed public access to the sea, foreshore and beach.
Specifies which constructions, leases or practices constitute illegal obstruction (π.χ. πλήρης κάλυψη αιγιαλού με ξαπλώστρες).
Establishes the procedure and administrative fines for violations, including responsibilities of municipal and state authorities.
Framework for “untouched beaches” (high-protection coasts)
Joint Ministerial Decision on terms and restrictions for high-protection beaches (“απάτητες παραλίες”)
Sets the criteria for designating “untouched beaches”, focusing on rare habitats, endangered species and key ecological functions.
Imposes strict limits on uses and activities, including bans on organized beach facilities (sunbeds, umbrellas, kiosks) and large-scale constructions.
Prioritises the preservation of the natural landscape, allowing only low-impact activities such as swimming, walking and quiet recreation.
Links the regime of “untouched beaches” with biodiversity conservation objectives, especially where sites overlap with protected areas.
Updated national list of “untouched beaches”
Joint Ministerial Decision amending and expanding the “untouched beaches” framework
Expands the national register of “untouched beaches” by adding 46 new coastal sites across Greece.
Updates coordinates and boundaries of existing beaches to reflect more accurate mapping and on-the-ground information.
Strengthens the connection between “untouched beaches” and Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity hotspots, improving ecological coherence.
Reaffirms the ban on organized or intrusive activities, clarifying that the high-protection status aims to safeguard both ecological and landscape values.
Many of Greece’s most beautiful beaches are also part of the Natura 2000 network, a European system of protected areas created to safeguard rare species and habitats.
This section brings together the main institutions and legal tools behind Natura 2000, so you can understand who is responsible for these coasts, what is protected, and how everyday decisions on the beach are connected to European environmental law.
National Agency for Natural Environment & Climate Change (NECCA/ΟΦΥΠΕΚΑ)
Central public authority for nature conservation and Natura 2000 management in Greece
Natura 2000 Viewer (European Commission)
Official online map of the Natura 2000 network in Europe
National biodiversity law and Natura 2000 framework
Law 3937/2011: Conservation of biodiversity and other provisions
Protection of wild bird species and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Joint Ministerial Decision on wild bird conservation and SPA designation