Greece is set to impose restrictions on the number of swimmers to protect the environment and avoid congestion on one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece: Elafonisi in Crete.
A Presidential decree expected to be issued after the Easter holiday period will impose a limit on the number of people allowed on the beach each day and will try to put an end to the anarchy prevailing from numerous business activities nearby.
Elafonisi has been repeatedly voted as one of the most majestic beaches not only in Europe but also in the world.
The area features exotic beauty: dunes, cedar trees, white lilies, black rocks, rare species of animals and birds that live there, blue waters and bright white sand.
It is located in western Crete, 75 kilometers (46 miles) southwest of Chania. Elafonisi is a small island at a distance of 200 meters from the shore. Between the island and the shore, there is a shallow lagoon of 1-meter depth at most.
Last year, hoteliers of Chania proposed a €10 ($12) entry fee for the beach.
The proposal, which was rejected by the local authority, claimed that the imposition of a fee was necessary to protect the environment.
“The beach is at risk from the uncontrolled flow of people,” the proposal by the Association of Hoteliers of Chania read.
It added that the €10 ticket would discourage overcrowding and improve the experience for those prepared to pay.
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