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Greece Closes 251 Beaches, Considers Hotel Caps to Combat Overtourism

Tuesday, 23 June 2026/SourceGoogle News/1 min read
Greece has officially closed 251 beaches nationwide due to water quality or safety concerns, with some closures affecting Crete's coastline. Authorities are also considering introducing hotel capacity caps to manage overtourism, a measure that could limit accommodation availability during peak summer months. Tourists planning a beach visit should check local signage and official announcements before swimming, as closed beaches are off-limits for health or environmental reasons. Those booking future trips to Crete should confirm hotel availability early, as potential capacity restrictions may tighten supply. No specific timeline has been confirmed for the hotel cap policy, but discussions are ongoing at the national level. Visitors already on the island are advised to ask their accommodation or local tourist offices for an updated list of open beaches in their area.

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