Corfu is a terrible tourist trap, but this Greek village captured my heart
After landing in Corfu, I realised I'd fallen for a tourist trap.
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Greece Fights Overtourism with Drone Fines: €350,000 Issued in 5 Days
Greece Cracks Down on Beach Hoggers with Drones, Issuing Hundreds of Thousands in Fines Greece has taken a high-tech approach to combatting overtourism on its popular beaches. Authorities have deployed drones to monitor beach usage and issue fines to those violating regulations. In just five days, the operation has resulted in €350,000 in fines. "The competition for sunbeds has reached new heights," reports MetroUK, the source of this video. The fines are primarily levied against tourist operators who illegally rent out sunbeds, umbrellas, and deck chairs, exceeding permitted space. However, individual tourists are also subject to penalties if they fail to maintain a minimum distance of four meters from the water's edge. A local resident, commenting on the situation, stated, "It's about time something was done. The beaches were becoming unusable." The crackdown follows numerous protests by locals frustrated with the overcrowding and limited access to public beaches. The use of drones provides a more efficient method of enforcement, allowing authorities to cover larger areas and identify violations quickly. While the fines are substantial, they represent a serious effort by the Greek government to balance tourism with environmental protection and the needs of its citizens. The success of this initiative remains to be seen, but it offers a potential model for other destinations struggling with similar challenges.
