Local authorities in Kymi-Aliveri, Evia Island, have taken action against illegal campers at Thapsa Beach following widespread concerns over the beach’s preservation. A viral photograph depicting numerous tents lining the coast prompted the municipal authority to formally request police intervention, as reported on Wednesday.
In response to the surge in popularity of Thapsa Beach as a camping destination this year, exacerbated by recent accessibility improvements, the municipality plans to deploy cleaning crews and install signage prohibiting camping. Thapsa Beach is among Greece’s 198 designated “untouched beaches” under the Natura 2000 network, safeguarded against commercial exploitation to maintain its natural integrity.
An eyewitness who captured the viral image described the overcrowded scene last weekend, noting not only an excess of umbrellas but also dozens of unauthorized camping tents. Despite a national ban on illegal camping, Mayor Nikolaos Barakos of Kymi-Aliveri confirmed that the beach was fully occupied, marking an unprecedented challenge for Thapsa.
“This occupation by campers, although not new to well-known beaches in Evia, poses significant public health risks,” Mayor Barakos emphasized, citing complaints of foul odors from local residents and heightened fire hazards.
Efforts to address these concerns underscore the delicate balance between tourism and environmental conservation at Thapsa Beach, urging visitors to respect the area’s protected status for the benefit of future generations.