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  "path": "/news/world/greece-sunbed-ban-tourism-crackdown-latest",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-27T19:47:11.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Africa witnessing birth of new ocean as scientists warn continent is SPLITTING",
    "At least 14 killed in Colombia ‘terrorist attack’ after explosive device detonates on bus",
    "Diver’s discovery sparks major dispute over Asia’s answer to Atlantis",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nGreece has introduced a ban on sunbeds across over 250 beaches, forcing holidaymakers to swap their loungers for towels or sit directly on the sand.\n\nThe measure targets the growing problem of overtourism while also restricting commercial developments such as hotel beach sections and umbrella hire services.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAuthorities want these coastal stretches to remain in their unspoilt condition.\n\nVisitors seeking beach bars or rental equipment will need to find alternative locations.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe restrictions form part of a broader effort to preserve Greece's most treasured shorelines.\n\nSome sites are facing even tighter controls under European environmental protection schemes.\n\nBeaches designated under the Natura 2000 programme face particularly stringent regulations, with hotels prohibited from cordoning off private sections and required to keep all areas accessible to the public.\n\nConstruction of concrete piers, sea walls or paved pathways is also forbidden to maintain the natural appearance of these protected coastlines.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Greek Environment Ministry said that the ban \"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\".\n\nOfficials noted any activity threatening the morphology or ecological integrity of these sites is now prohibited.\n\nAmong the affected locations is Elafonissi Beach, situated on Greece's southwest coast and designated as a protected Natura 2000 nature reserve.\n\nThe stunning destination claimed second place globally in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, having also secured 15th position among European beaches in the World's Best Beaches 2025 rankings.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Africa witnessing birth of new ocean as scientists warn continent is SPLITTING\n  * At least 14 killed in Colombia ‘terrorist attack’ after explosive device detonates on bus\n  * Diver’s discovery sparks major dispute over Asia’s answer to Atlantis\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nReaching the site requires visitors to wade through a shallow lagoon, adding to its secluded appeal.\n\nThe beach is celebrated for its distinctive pink-hued sand, created by crushed seashells, though taking any shells or sand from the area is strictly forbidden.\n\nOne recent visitor described it as \"one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world\".\n\nBeyond Elafonissi, the ban extends to numerous other popular destinations, including Kalamaki Beach close to Athens, Tobruk Beach near Heraklion, and multiple beaches across the island of Samos.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe restrictions follow recent enforcement action.\n\nRiot police were dismantling illegal shacks on Gavdos, an island located south of Crete.\n\nTravellers planning a Greek holiday can verify which beaches are covered by the new rules by downloading the Gov.gr MyCoast app, which displays a comprehensive map of all 251 affected locations.\n\nThis allows visitors to plan their trips accordingly and identify beaches where sunbed hire and other amenities remain available.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**\n**\n\n**\n**\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Greece slaps sunbed ban on hundreds of beaches in tourism crackdown"
}