Greek coastal law study outlines ten key issues for beach access and protection

A legal study titled “Legislative framework for utilization, management and protection of coastal areas, seafront and beaches” was released by the Greek law firm DTK. The paper, authored by environmental‑law specialists including Dr Konstantinos Karatsolis, Marianna Xafougianni, Eleftheria Volaki, Irini Tsianthi and Ifigenia Tsakalogianni, identifies ten critical points that citizens need to know about Greece’s coastline management.

The study stresses that public access to beaches is a fundamental right, that private concessions and construction are heavily restricted, and that vehicle traffic, light and noise pollution are tightly controlled. Greece’s 13,676 km coastline supports roughly one‑third of the national GDP through tourism. The MyCoast reporting platform recorded 41,737 complaints in its first year of operation in 2024; state inspections covered about a third of these, resulting in fines exceeding €1.15 million. The authors argue that better citizen awareness and enforcement of the law yield both environmental protection and tangible economic benefits.