251 beaches in Greece will have no sunbeds, no umbrellas, no water sports, and no construction this summer. The Greek government has declared them "untouchable" - under special ecological protection.

For the commercial operators, this is a hit. Sunbeds and umbrellas are a small industry that, across these 251 beaches, feeds hundreds of families. Without them - those beaches go back to being "wild", which means no chairs, no shade, no bar serving beer.

Macedonian tourists should read this carefully. Many favourite Balkan destinations are on the list - parts of Halkidiki, Thassos, Kavala. When a Macedonian dreams of a summer on a Greek beach with coffee under an umbrella - that scenario, from this year on, no longer applies at 251 locations.

Greece's ecological strategy is not new. The country has been wrestling with overtourism for decades - the result is that natural beaches were turned into pedestrian zones with sunbeds running right up to the water. The response is coming now, only after the damage is already obvious. Sand has eroded, trees have been pulled out, local ecosystems are torn apart.

For Macedonia, this is also a lesson. We have two big lakes - Ohrid and Prespa. The pressure on them is steadily growing, with more and more construction along the water. Nobody is proposing a "no-go zone". But the Greek decision shows that one day it will be unavoidable. And the question is - do we do it on time, or do we do it the Greek way, after the damage.

For summer 2026 - if you are planning a holiday in Greece, check whether your favourite sandy bay is among the 251. If it is - prepare for a beach in its raw state, no umbrella. It is both a beauty and a challenge.