Greece’s Supreme Court prosecutor has ordered judicial inquiries into reported violations of the public’s right of access to the beaches on Greek islands.The first probeσ ordered by newly appointed prosecutor Georgia Adeilini regard reports of blatant violations on Paros and Serifos in the island group of the Cyclades.
On Paros local people have organized several protests , actively opposing the uncontrolled spread of beach bar facilities and sunbeds at two particular locations. The movement “Reclaim the Beaches” is growing.
Video: Paros Protest at Marchelo Beach on July 30, 2023
The prosecutor has reportedly sent a letter to first-instance prosecutor on the nearby island of Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades,calling for a judicial investigation into these infringements.
The Supreme court prosecutor also demands a judicial intervention on the island of Serifos, where the mayor’s orders for the shutdown of one beach bar that is operating without a license appear to have been ignored.
Mayor of Serifos Konstantinos Revithis posted his complain on social media denouncing a well-known business on Ganema beach, which it sealed for illegalities a few days ago, but it reopened.
“The business is operating illegally, with unlicensed structures and no permit to use the beach. The municipal authority ordered its closure only to find it open again, while certain state services appear to be on an extended holiday,” Revithis stressed.
The “Society of Friends of Cultural Heritage and the Environment of Serifos” association has made similar complaints about the business which is allegedly illegal within the Natura area.
On Meganissi in the Ionion some very large private properties have taken over beaches and shores in front of their houses and blocked access to the shore from the road. Nothing seems to be done about this. The environmental damage being done to the island by people who only inhabit the houses for a couple of months in the year is so sad. Judging by the acres of trees ripped out and destroyed for yet more building, there is no sign of it ending.