€1,000 Euro Fine in Greece for Picking Pebbles: What Tourists Need to Know

Greece, with its sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide. From the iconic whitewashed villages of Santorini to the rugged shores of Skiathos, the country’s coastlines are a major draw for millions of tourists each year. However, as Greece gears up for another bustling travel season in 2025, a new regulation is making headlines: tourists face fines of up to €1,000 for collecting pebbles or shells from its beaches.

This move, aimed at protecting the nation’s fragile coastal ecosystems, has sparked conversations among travelers and environmentalists alike. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of this new rule, why it matters, and how you can enjoy Greece’s beaches responsibly while avoiding hefty penalties.

The New Rule: €1,000 Fine for Taking Pebbles and Shells

As of 2025, Greece has tightened its regulations to protect its pristine beaches from the impacts of mass tourism. One of the most notable measures is a fine of up to €1,000 for tourists caught removing pebbles, shells, or sand from protected coastal areas. This rule, which builds on earlier restrictions in specific regions like Skiathos, is now being enforced more rigorously across the country. The Greek government’s goal is clear: to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of its iconic coastlines, which are under increasing pressure from millions of visitors each year.

This regulation isn’t entirely new. Since 2018, Lalaria Beach on the island of Skiathos has been a focal point for such restrictions due to its unique white pebbles, which have been pilfered by tourists as souvenirs, leading to noticeable changes in the beach’s landscape. Signs reading “Take a picture, not a pebble” and “pebble return boxes” at Skiathos’ airport have been in place for years to deter visitors from taking natural materials. Now, the €1,000 fine is being extended to other beaches across Greece, including popular spots like Elafonissi in Crete and Myrtos in Kefalonia, known for their unique geological features.

Why Is Greece Imposing These Fines?

At first glance, picking up a pebble or a seashell might seem like a harmless act—a small memento of a memorable trip. However, when multiplied by the millions of tourists who visit Greece annually (over 4.5 million from the UK alone in 2023), these small actions can have significant environmental consequences. Here’s why Greece is cracking down:

Coastal Erosion: Pebbles and sand act as natural barriers that protect shorelines from erosion caused by waves and tides. Removing even small amounts can weaken these defenses, leading to faster degradation of beaches and increased vulnerability to flooding in coastal communities.

Ecosystem Disruption: Shells and pebbles are integral to coastal ecosystems. Shells, for example, provide calcium for marine life and help maintain the balance of the beach environment. Taking them disrupts habitats for small organisms and contributes to ecological imbalances.

Preserving Natural Beauty: Greece’s beaches, such as the pink-tinted sands of Elafonissi or the vibrant pebbles of Lalaria, are unique geological treasures. Their distinct features are part of what makes Greece a top tourist destination. Removing these materials diminishes the aesthetic and ecological value of these sites, threatening their appeal for future visitors.

Cultural and Historical Significance: In some cases, beaches like Lalaria are tied to cultural heritage. The pebbles, named “lalaria” from the ancient Greek word for stone, are unique to specific areas and have been part of the landscape for millennia. Their removal is seen as a form of theft from Greece’s natural and cultural legacy.

The Greek government’s approach aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where countries like France, Spain, and Italy are also imposing fines for removing natural materials from beaches to combat overtourism and environmental degradation. For instance, France fines tourists up to €1,500 for taking sand or shells, while Sardinia imposes penalties as high as €3,000. Greece’s €1,000 fine is part of this global push to promote responsible tourism and protect fragile ecosystems.

Where Are These Rules Enforced?

While the €1,000 fine applies to many protected coastal areas across Greece, certain beaches are under stricter scrutiny due to their ecological or cultural significance. Some key locations include:

Lalaria Beach, Skiathos: Accessible only by boat, this beach is famous for its white pebbles and natural stone arch. Since 2018, fines ranging from €400 to €1,000 have been in place to prevent pebble removal, with “pebble return boxes” at the airport to encourage compliance.

Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Known for its pink-tinted sand, this beach is a protected area where removing sand or shells can result in fines. Authorities have increased patrols and signage to inform tourists of the rules.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia: With its dramatic cliffs and vibrant pebbles, Myrtos is another hotspot where taking natural materials is prohibited.

Protected Areas in Naxos: Recent incidents of tourists removing stones from archaeological sites and beaches in Naxos prompted the Ministry of Culture to install temporary barriers and increase security patrols.

While not every beach in Greece is subject to the same level of regulation, tourists should assume that any popular or protected coastal area may have restrictions. Signage, local campaigns, and checks at airports are becoming more common to enforce these rules.

How Are the Fines Enforced?

Greek authorities are stepping up efforts to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Here’s how enforcement works:

Signage and Awareness Campaigns: Many beaches, particularly Lalaria, have clear signs warning against taking pebbles or shells. Posters are also distributed to boat operators, fishermen, and tour companies to spread the message. The slogan “Take a picture, not a pebble” is widely promoted to encourage responsible behavior.

Pebble Return Boxes: At Skiathos’ airport, “pebble return boxes” allow tourists to deposit any collected items before leaving, avoiding fines. Similar initiatives may expand to other regions as the rules are enforced more broadly.

Luggage Checks: Authorities may inspect luggage at airports to detect pebbles, sand, or shells. Tourists caught with these items can face immediate fines, which are typically issued on the spot.

Patrols and Local Enforcement: Beach patrols by local councils and rangers are becoming more common, especially in high-traffic areas. In Naxos, for example, security patrols monitor protected sites to prevent theft of natural or archaeological materials.

The fines, which can range from €400 to €1,000 depending on the location and severity of the violation, are not meant to be punitive but to serve as a deterrent. As Birgitta Spee-König, a responsible tourism advocate, noted, these measures are “signals that communities want to reclaim space” and encourage respect for the environment.

How to Avoid the Fine and Travel Responsibly

To ensure your Greek holiday remains fine-free and environmentally friendly, follow these tips:

Leave No Trace: The simplest rule is to take only photos and leave only footprints. Resist the urge to pocket pebbles, shells, or sand, no matter how tempting they may be.

Check Local Rules: Research the specific regulations for the beaches you plan to visit. Some areas, like Lalaria Beach, have stricter rules than others. Look for signs or ask local guides for clarification.

Support Local Souvenirs: Instead of taking natural materials, visit local gift shops for postcards, artisan crafts, or other souvenirs like Santorini wine or volcanic beauty products. These alternatives support the local economy and preserve the environment.

Spread Awareness: Share the “Take a picture, not a pebble” message with fellow travelers. Many tourists are unaware of the environmental impact of their actions, and education is key to fostering responsible tourism.

Respect Other Beach Rules: In addition to the pebble ban, Greece has other beach regulations to keep in mind. For example, 70% of public beach space must remain free of sunbeds and rental chairs, and smoking is banned on some beaches to reduce litter and health risks.

The Bigger Picture: Responsible Tourism in Greece

Greece’s new fine is part of a broader effort to combat the negative effects of overtourism. With visitor numbers expected to surge in 2025, the country is balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect its natural and cultural treasures. Other measures include capping daily visitors to the Acropolis at 20,000, banning high heels at archaeological sites to prevent damage, and limiting cruise ship arrivals in popular destinations like Santorini.

These regulations reflect a growing global awareness of the need for sustainable tourism. Countries like France, Spain, and New Zealand have similar laws to protect their natural environments, and Greece’s efforts are in line with this trend. By respecting these rules, tourists can help ensure that Greece’s beaches and landmarks remain pristine for future generations.

Enjoy Greece’s Beaches the Right Way

Greece’s €1,000 fine for picking pebbles may seem strict, but it’s a necessary step to preserve the country’s stunning coastlines and fragile ecosystems. As travelers, we have a responsibility to protect the destinations we love, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for years to come. So, when you visit Greece’s breathtaking beaches in 2025, snap plenty of photos, soak in the beauty, and leave the pebbles where they belong—on the shore.