29.04.2024
Where are Greece’s new protected beaches? Can I visit Greece’s protected beaches?
Greece is already known for some of the cleanest beaches in the world, and a select few beaches will become even cleaner and more peaceful. As part of the Natura 2000 network, which protects Greece’s forest land, 198 beaches will be off-limits for umbrellas, snack bars, sunbeds, and organized food service.
These beaches will not allow commercial activity in order to protect the natural environment and are the so-called “untouchable beaches.”
The "Untouchable Beaches" are known for their rare plants and animals, and they might be a home to protected species. For example, Caretta caretta sea turtles and other marine animals are included on the list. The new regulations mean the following are not allowed:
The presence of motorized vehicles
The organization of events with more than ten individuals
Music played with amplification devices
Tables, umbrellas, sunbeds, etc
Services for bathers or public recreation, like watersports
The operation of a moving refreshment stand
Yes, you can still swim at these beaches. They will likely become more peaceful because of the new rules - like your own personal paradise.
The protected beaches are on the islands of Agios Efstratios, Samothrace, Lesvos, Syros, Evia, Andros, Tilos, Ikaria and also on areas of the mainland like Mani, Zacharo, and Attica.
The areas with the largest number of beaches on the list are in Eastern Mani (17), and next Karpathos (13) and Syros (11). Other islands with beaches on the list are Tilos and Fournoi, each which have 9 “untouched” beaches. Alonnisos has 8, Naxos has 7, and the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor, Kythira, Kalymnos, and Kimolos each have 6.
Andros, Lesvos, Zakynthos, and Milos have 5 beaches each on the list, and the Municipalities of Zacharo, Mesolongi, Karystos, Tinos, and Sikinos have 4 beaches each on the list. One beach in Attica, near Athens, made it onto the list: Schinias Beach.
The complete list of the beaches can be found here (in Greek).
In the south Peloponnese is a series of 3 rocky peninsulas that jut into the Mediterranean Sea. The middle one is the most remote, and it is called the Mani peninsula. In Mani, supposedly the people are descended from Spartans.
Unlike the rest of the Peloponnese peninsula, where some areas have grown with the influence of tourists, Mani keeps some old-world charm. Patrick Lee Fermor is quoted saying “We saw a peninsula ending in crescent-shaped beaches … We walked down into a gently sloping world of the utmost magical beauty.”
Karpathos is a narrow, long island in the Dodecanese chain that is divided by a string of mountains with an altitude of 1200 meters. Karpathos is unique for its wild beauty, magnificent beaches, and traditional hospitality. Unlike islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Karpathos is not heavily visited because it is farther from the mainland.
A clean beach is pleasant on the eye but also provides enormous economic and social benefits. Research shows that clean beaches not only draw visitors, who pay for hospitality services, but also long-term infrastructure projects to the area, adding to its live-ability.
Clean beaches directly add substantial value to homes for sale nearby, while demand for beachside villas next to crystal-clear water is very strong. The large number of turquoise beaches in Greece is a key factor in supporting growth in the broader real estate market. In addition to rising prices, demand for rentals has soared, particularly on islands such as Crete and Corfu.
29.07.2026
Among Greece's greatest charms is its wealth of islands. There are so many to discover, each one surrounded by the deep blue of the sea. What many people might not know, is that there are a few of them where cars are not allowed.
28.04.2026
Weddings in Greece are no longer limited to a single day. Increasingly, they are planned as multi-day stays, with couples and their guests spending several days in one location. Most of these weddings involve couples coming from abroad. Instead of traveling only for the ceremony, they organize a broader stay that includes time for gathering, exploring, and hosting additional events. The wedding becomes part of a longer visit rather than a standalone occasion.
06.04.2026
Greece is a country where history, landscape, and culture intertwine to produce some of the most unique foods in the world.
27.03.2026
Greece is best known for its islands, history, and food— but it is increasingly becoming a strong contender in the world of cycling travel. With its varied terrain, mild climate, and mix of coastal and mountainous landscapes, the country offers routes for every type of rider, from casual cyclists to experienced adventurers.
Below are six of the most bike-friendly destinations in Greece, each offering a distinct experience on two wheels.
06.02.2026
Santorini has long been synonymous with romance, and in 2026, that reputation feels stronger than ever. Recently ranked among the top three most romantic destinations in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, the iconic Greek island once again finds itself in the global spotlight, alongside the Amalfi Coast and the Maldives. For couples around the world, Santorini is a must-see place to slow down, disconnect, and experience beauty at its most effortless.
02.02.2026
Greek wedding traditions are famous around the world for their music, energy, and unforgettable celebrations. Many Greek wedding traditions come from Greek Orthodox customs and local regional practices, and they create a wedding day that feels both sacred and unforgettable. If you’ve ever attended a Greek wedding (or watched one in a film), you may have noticed rituals that seem unusual at first. Crowns, candles, shared wine, or even money placed inside the bride’s shoes. Here’s what they mean, explained simply.
26.01.2026
Greece is rapidly evolving from a historically modest digital landscape to a modern, high-speed internet hub. For decades, slower connections and limited broadband access made reliable internet a challenge, especially outside major cities and on the islands. In 2026, strategic investments in connectivity infrastructure are reshaping Greece’s digital reality and influencing everything, from property values and remote work trends to tourism appeal and everyday life. Today, strong internet connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a must-have for global buyers, digital nomads, and local professionals. Whether you’re considering Greek real estate as an investment or a place to live, understanding the connectivity landscape in Greece is essential.
15.01.2026
