Local authorities in Halkidiki, northern Greece, have removed dozens of umbrellas and sun loungers from Nea Flogita beach that had been placed to reserve summertime spots on the sand.
According to state broadcaster ERT, the operation triggered tensions between Nea Propontida municipal officials and beachgoers who had set up the beach gear. In several cases, authorities had to dig deep into the sand to extract umbrellas and structures that had been firmly anchored.
The municipality said the clearance followed the expiry of a June 10 deadline previously set for the removal of all such equipment. Officials added that the confiscated items will be stored until the end of the summer season and, if not claimed by their owners by then, they will be sent for recycling.
The clean-up at Nea Flogita beach is described by the municipality as the first in a series of more interventions planned across the wider coastal area.
The practice of “reserving” beach space at the beginning of the summer is common in parts of Greece, particularly among locals and holiday-home owners who leave personal setups on the sand for extended periods, effectively marking out their preferred spots for the season.
