Greece has unveiled tough new measures to protect some of its most pristine beaches, amid growing concerns that overtourism is putting pressure on fragile coastal environments. Officials have said the crackdown is aimed at preserving "untrodden" stretches of coastline that have so far escaped mass development, with authorities warning that "too many tourists" are beginning to threaten their natural beauty.

Under the new rules, stricter limits will be placed on commercial activity along certain beaches. This includes tighter controls on items such as sunbeds, as well as expanded protected zones where no development will be allowed. The move comes as Greece continues to see record-breaking visitor numbers, with many popular islands struggling to cope during the peak summer months. While tourism remains a vital part of the country's economy, officials say a balance must be struck to prevent long-term damage.

Known as "Untrodden Beaches" (Apatites Paralies), the regulation amends a previous Joint Ministerial Decision (KYA) to further enhance environmental safeguards. As part of this expansion, 13 locations have been added to the status, bringing the total to 251 and significantly widening the network of protected coastlines.

These are beaches located within areas that are part of the Natura 2000 network - an EU-wide network of protected areas established to safeguard the most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Natura 2000 is the world's largest coordinated network of protected areas, covering nearly 20% of the EU's land and 10% of its marine territory. Established under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, it protects biodiversity while allowing sustainable human activity, acting as a crucial tool for nature conservation.

The amendment aims to ensure the effective preservation of beaches with unique aesthetic, geomorphological, or ecological value, as well as to protect the native flora and fauna within these sensitive coastal ecosystems.

As these areas are highly sensitive, the regulations strictly ban:

With 251 beaches now classed as "Untrodden Beaches", Crete has come out as a big winner. The list covers critical coastal zones in Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi. This includes all the beaches just named by Tripadvisor as among the world's best - Balos and Falassarna, which have struggled with overcrowding in Chania West, Gavdos and various isolated coves along the southern coastline and the iconic pink beach of Elafonisi, safeguarding its rare flora and fauna.

Also included on the list are Halikounas on Corfu, Pori and Italida on Ano Koufonisi and Kastro beach on Lefkada. The latter has drawn particular attention in recent years due to proposed tourism development plans involving an old winery and a kiosk. The project has faced opposition from a local citizens' initiative group of more than 1,500 members, which has pursued legal action to block the investment.

Halikounas, meanwhile, is a stunning two-mile-long sandy and relatively wild beach on Corfu's southwest coast, nestled between the Ionian Sea and the scenic Lake Korission. Known for its unspoiled dunes, shallow waters, and, at times, strong winds, it is a premier spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. It is bordered by a cedar and juniper forest, while the adjacent Lake Korission is a significant bird habitat, featuring over 100 species, including egrets.