Authorities Dismantle Illegal Beach Encampments in Northern Greece

SITHONIA, Halkidiki – Local authorities in the northern Greek region of Halkidiki have launched a decisive operation to restore the integrity of the coastline, dismantling long-standing illegal structures and makeshift campsites that had occupied pristine beaches for years.

The coordinated sweep, spearheaded by the Sithonia municipality in collaboration with local police, focused on the popular coastal stretches of Kriaritsi, Kalamitsi, and Aretes. The operation was overseen by Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Angelos Draganis, marking a significant escalation in the municipality’s efforts to reclaim public property.

A Growing Safety and Environmental Concern

The operation uncovered more than just simple tents. Many of the structures had evolved into semi-permanent dwellings, featuring solar panels, complex cooking setups with gas canisters, and other household amenities. Municipal officials identified these installations as critical fire hazards, noting that their proximity to forests and beach vegetation posed a serious risk to the local ecosystem and public safety.

The removal process followed a series of warnings issued by the local government, which had urged long-term campers to vacate the premises and remove their belongings voluntarily before the state intervention.

Conflicting Perspectives

The crackdown has met with resistance from those who had turned these sites into seasonal homes. Some individuals, some of whom have reportedly occupied the same spots for over two decades, expressed frustration at the move. Proponents of these encampments argued that they had acted as stewards of the land, claiming to have maintained the areas by clearing brush and managing vegetation themselves.

However, the municipality remained firm in its stance, reiterating that free camping is strictly prohibited by law.

“Sithonia’s beaches belong to everyone,” the municipal authority stated in an official release. “Free access, safety, cleanliness, and respect for the environment are non-negotiable priorities.”

Ongoing Efforts to Protect the Coastline

This sweep is part of a broader initiative to protect the environmental and aesthetic value of the Halkidiki coast. As the region remains a premier destination for domestic and international tourism, officials emphasized that these makeshift homes represent a violation of public space that cannot be tolerated.

Following the successful clearing of the initial sites, the Sithonia municipality has vowed to continue its inspections and enforcement actions across the entire region, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward unauthorized residential occupation of public beaches.