Authorities in Sithonia, in the Halkidiki region of northern Greece, removed illegal tents and structures, which had stood there for years, set up on beaches just steps from the sea.
The operation, involving the Sithonia municipality, police and Deputy Mayor for Tourism Angelos Draganis, targeted the beaches of Kriaritsi, Kalamitsi and Aretes, according to state media ERT and AMNA.
Some installations resembled small homes, with solar panels, gas canisters and makeshift kitchens, which officials warned posed fire hazards. Campers said they had used the sites for years, some claiming 25 years, and maintained the land themselves, including clearing vegetation.
The municipality said free camping is banned there and had urged campers to remove their own equipment before the operation. “Sithonia’s beaches belong to everyone,” the municipality said. “Free access, safety, cleanliness and respect for the environment are nonnegotiable priorities,” it added, vowing further removals across the municipality.
