Some 150 protesters are seen gathered at Trypiti beach in Paros on Sunday, July 19. [Takis Dimopoulos]
Anger over beach commercialization is flaring back up on the island of Paros, two years after a movement against “beach towel” tourism.
About 150 residents protested Sunday at Trypiti beach, leased this year for sun beds and umbrellas for the first time. Retired educator Christos Georgousis said operators violate distance limits from the sea, and this year small beaches like Trypiti, Aliki and Marpissa were leased for the first time. He criticized construction near Marcelo beach.
Spyros Mitroyiannis, of the Archilochus Cultural Association, blamed direct leasing by the Finance Ministry, which bypassed municipalities.
Mayor Kostas Bizas said the ministry leased far more sections than the 12 the municipality proposed.
