Can I lay my towel for free on the beach?
Yes: you can lay your towel for free on any Greek beach. Under Law 5092/2024, the foreshore and beach are public common-use space; free, unobstructed and safe access is a right, and concessionaires can't charge you for the free sand. At most 50% of a beach may be conceded for sunbeds (at least 50% stays free); in Natura 2000 areas only 30% (at least 70% free), while some "untrodden beaches" allow no concession at all. Sunbeds/umbrellas must stay at least 5 m from the waterline. There's the MyCoast app for geolocated violation reports. In short: your towel is free — the free zone belongs to everyone.
📋 The rules
- Free access and towel — everyone's right
- Up to 50% sunbed concession (≥50% free)
- Natura 2000: only 30% (≥70% free)
- Sunbeds/umbrellas: ≥5 m from the waterline
- Reports via the MyCoast app
🔓 Exceptions
- "Untrodden beaches": no concession at all
- Service dog/signage: special access arrangements
- Concessions revoked for violations
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Obstructing free access to the beach is fined €2,000–€60,000. Unauthorised structures on the foreshore bring a fine of €500 per cubic metre, while exceeding the conceded area brings arbitrary-use penalties and possible revocation of the concession. Note: "beach bars are entirely banned" overstates the law — it restricts concessions and certain uses, not all operation. To exercise your right: you can lay your towel for free in the free zone, demand unobstructed access and, if you see a violation (encroached free zone, sunbeds on the waterline), report it via the MyCoast app.
📎 Official sources
- Law 5092/2024 on the foreshore and beach →
- MyCoast — digital reporting app →
- Ministry of National Economy and Finance →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I lay my towel for free?
Yes. Under Law 5092/2024, the foreshore and beach are public common-use space and free, unobstructed access is everyone's right. You can lay your towel for free in the free zone, and no concessionaire can charge you for the free sand.
How much space can sunbeds take?
At most 50% of a beach may be conceded for sunbeds, so at least 50% stays free. In Natura 2000 areas the limit is 30%, with at least 70% free. Some "untrodden beaches" allow no concession at all.
How far from the sea must sunbeds be?
Sunbeds and umbrellas must stay at least 5 metres from the waterline. This ensures a free zone near the water for all bathers. Placing sunbeds on the waterline is a violation and can be reported.
What's the fine for obstructing access?
Obstructing free access to the beach is fined €2,000–€60,000. Unauthorised structures on the foreshore bring €500 per cubic metre, while exceeding the conceded area can also lead to revocation of the concession.
How do I report a beach violation?
You can use the MyCoast app, which allows real-time geolocated violation reports — for example, if the free zone has been encroached or there are sunbeds on the waterline. The report helps the authorities to check and impose sanctions.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “free towel beach law greece”
- “law 5092/2024 foreshore”
- “sunbeds 50% beach”
- “mycoast beach report”
- “sunbeds 5 metres waterline”
- “fine obstructing beach access”