Authorities have added 13 beaches to a list of beaches on which umbrellas, food trucks and recreational vessels are prohibited, along with vehicle access, organized gatherings of more than ten people, and the use of music, speakers or amplifiers.

With the latest additions, the total number of protected beaches enjoying Natura 2000 protection has risen to 251.

Among the beaches added are Halikounas on Corfu; Pori and Italida on Ano Koufonisi; Kastro beach on Lefkada; seven beaches in the region of Hania on Crete, including Vienna beach; and two sites within the Messolonghi Lagoon National Park.

Kastro beach in Lefkada has drawn particular attention in recent years due to proposed tourism development plans involving an old winery and a kiosk. The project has faced opposition from a local citizens’ initiative group of more than 1,500 members, which has pursued legal action to block the investment.

Source: Ekathimerini.com