Halkidiki authorities remove illegal beach equipment to restore public access

Municipalities in Halkidiki, Greece, have launched major operations to remove illegally placed beach equipment to ensure public access to the coastline. In the Municipality of Polygyros, authorities used heavy machinery to clear hundreds of umbrellas and sunbeds from beaches in Kalives and Gerakini. Some equipment had been permanently fixed into the sand using cement or iron rods, and others were secured with chains and padlocks.

Deputy Mayor Vasilis Fardogiannis reported a concerning trend where owners of short-term rental apartments allegedly provide guests with keys to specific beach umbrellas or locked sunbeds, effectively privatizing public space. The municipality emphasized that beaches are common areas and should not be reserved for the privileged or those with seaside residences.

Parallel actions were also taken by the Municipality of Kassandra in Pefkohori and Nea Lefkanda to protect public surfaces. Authorities stated that the removed items will not be returned to their owners and will instead be treated as waste and sent to recycling centers. These interventions follow reports made to the police and the Greek Ministry of Tourism.