Tourist Fines & Rules in Greece
Updated March 20266 cities90 total rulesFines up to €10,000
Greece combines strict heritage protection with new tourism fees. The Acropolis caps visitors at 20,000/day with mandatory timed entry. Cruise passengers pay up to €20 per port call at Santorini and Mykonos. Taking seashells or pebbles from any beach carries a €1,000 fine. Wearing high heels at archaeological sites is banned (€900 fine). The Climate Resilience Fee adds €2–15/night depending on hotel star rating. Greece's September 2025 traffic code overhaul means tourists driving rental cars face much steeper fines for speeding and phone use.
City Guides
Rules That Apply Everywhere in Greece
Seashell/pebble/sand collection: up to €1,000
High heels at archaeological sites: up to €900
Beach sunbed rules: 70% must be free (85% in protected areas)
Climate Resilience Fee: €2–15/night by star rating
Cruise fee: €1–20 per port call by season and port tier
Wild camping on beaches: €300
Drone authorization required
City Comparison
| City | Rules | Max Fine | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 16 | €10,000 | Drone Flying |
| Corfu | 14 | €10,000 | Drone Flying Restrictions |
| Crete | 16 | €10,000 | Drone Flying Restrictions |
| Rhodes | 14 | €10,000 | Drone Flying — Heavy Fines |
| Santorini & Mykonos | 16 | €10,000 | Collecting Seashells, Pebbles, or Sand |
| Thessaloniki | 14 | €2,000 | Collecting Seashells, Sand, or Pebbles — Up to €1,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect seashells on Greek beaches?
No. Fines up to €1,000 for removing shells, pebbles, or sand from any protected beach in Greece.
Do I need to book the Acropolis in advance?
Strongly recommended. Daily cap of 20,000 visitors with timed entry slots. Walk-up lines can be 1–2 hours in peak season.
How much is the cruise fee for Greek islands?
Santorini and Mykonos: €20/person in peak season (June–Sept), €12 shoulder, €4 winter. All other ports: €5/€4/€1.