Greece Enforces Beach Rule with Hefty Fine for Tourists

British tourists in Greece have been warned about a significant fine for violating a beach regulation while enjoying their holidays. This popular destination, known for its stunning scenery and sunny weather, is taking strict measures to preserve its natural beauty.

Visitors to Skiathos, a picturesque island in the northwest Aegean Sea, risk an £850 fine if they break this rule. Specifically, the fine is imposed on those who remove pebbles from Lalaria Beach, an iconic spot famous for its unique white stones.

Introduced in 2018, a law prohibits the removal of pebbles from Lalaria Beach. Signs on the beach clearly inform visitors of this rule, stating: "It is strictly prohibited to remove pebbles or stones from anywhere on the beach." This measure aims to prevent the depletion of the beach's distinctive pebbles, which contribute to its charm.

To further encourage compliance, the authorities have installed "Lalaria Beach pebble return boxes" at airports on Skiathos. Visitors’ suitcases are also subject to searches to ensure no pebbles are taken. These precautions are essential to prevent the loss of the beach’s unique features, which gained worldwide recognition after appearing in the first "Mamma Mia" movie.

When these fines were first introduced in 2018, the island's harbor master chief expressed hope that they would act as a deterrent. "Lalaria is not a protected site, so the fines were announced in extremis," he told The Guardian. Athina Papageorgiou, a spokesperson for the town, highlighted the necessity of these rules, citing a significant decline in the stones due to the island's rising popularity.

She stated in 2018: "On the back of the tourism surge, there’s been a noticeable decline in the stones. It may be a small thing to take one here and there, but when that is repeated multiple times, the result is there is nothing left."

This initiative, along with the slogan "Take a picture, not a pebble," which is displayed on posters around the island, underscores the importance of preserving Lalaria Beach for future generations. Skiathos authorities hope these efforts will maintain the island's natural beauty and prevent further erosion of its famous coastline.