Greece has expanded its free beach access law to 13 additional beaches across Crete and Corfu. Under updated regulations, operators are now prohibited from charging fees for sun loungers and umbrellas on these newly designated stretches of coastline. This builds on Greece's broader effort to reclaim public beach space from commercial operators who had previously occupied large portions of the shoreline with paid furniture, often limiting free access for visitors. To enforce compliance, Greek authorities have introduced AI-powered surveillance along the coast, using aerial and satellite monitoring to detect illegal setups. For tourists visiting Crete this season, this means more beaches where you can lay your own towel without paying rental fees. Check local signage on arrival, as designated free zones are typically marked. The law applies to a defined strip of shoreline and penalties for non-compliant operators are enforced by the coastguard.
