Greece to introduce strict new beach rules that will affect Brit holidaymakers

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HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Greece will need to be aware of a strict new set of rules that could soon come into force.

The country is introducing several new rules at its beaches in a bid to combat overcrowding.

GettyThe new measures were outlined by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis[/caption]

The new measures, which were outlined by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a video on TikTok, have been designed to prevent beachfront businesses from occupying too much beach space.

According to Time Out Travel, the rules have been designed to make Greek beaches more orderly and fair.

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The number of sunbeds will be capped at beaches across Greece in a bid to create more space for the public.

For example, 70 per cent of Greek beaches must be free from sunbeds.

Protected areas must be 85 per cent free from sunbeds, meaning only 15 per cent of space at that beach can be occupied by sun loungers.

Sunbeds will be completely banned from ecologically sensitive areas too.

Another new rule states that there must be at least four metres of space between the shoreline and the sunbeds.

This is to ensure that the sea can be easily accessible for all holidaymakers.

Beachfront businesses that plan to rent out sunbeds to holidaymakers will need to compete for space in an online auction.

Drones will then allegedly monitor beaches to ensure the new rules are being enforced.

It is thought that the new rules will come into effect this spring – although a firm date has not been set.

With a reduced number of sunbeds at Greek beaches, beachfront business may increase their rental prices.

The new rules could also increase competition between holidaymakers for sunbeds.

This isn’t the only new measure that will affect holidaymakers visiting Greece this year.

Greece to charge new tourist tax

Earlier this year, the country announced the introduction of a new levy for overnight visitors.

Dubbed the new climate resilience levy by local media outlets, the new charge is intended to combat the damage caused by extreme weather conditions, like the wildfires and floods that swept through the country last year.

Last summer, large parts of Greece were devastated by huge wildfires that swept through holiday hotspots in Rhodes and Corfu.

Expected to generate €300 million in 2024, the new tax will form part of a special reserves budget, which will help rebuild parts of the country’s infrastructure that have been damaged as a result of climate change.

Brit Holidaymakers traveling to Greece between March and October will be required to pay the additional charge.

Just like the previous tax, the rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night.

The new tax will be added to the country’s existing accommodation tax, with charges rising as a result.

Tourist charges across Europe

But Greece isn’t the only holiday hotspot that could be introducing a tourist tax on future visitors.

Venice is also trialing a fee, which will see day-trippers paying €5 (£4.35) to visit the historical Italian centre.

The new measures have been introduced due to the overtourism the area suffers from.

Meanwhile, officials in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia want to introduce a fee for travellers to remind people to be courteous during their trips.

And it isn’t just holiday hotspots in Europe that have been discussing potential charges, destinations across the UK are also set to introduce new fees too.

Manchester tourists spending the night in the city will have to pay £1 a night, per room, as part of the new scheme.

And, St Ives in Cornwall is considering a tourist tax too.

GettyThe number of sunbeds will be capped at beaches across Greece in a bid to create more space for the public[/caption]“}]]