Tourists in Greece could land a huge fine for one activity that many holiday makers always do. Mass tourism has had a huge impact on the area with the Greek government thinking of ways to protect its unspoiled beaches and ancient ruins.

New fines will be put in place to ensure the country stays in good shape, with tourists needing to pay attention to their behaviours. The stricter regulations will serve as a deterrent and tool for enforcement.

The government’s primary focus is on ensuring that the beauty of the beaches and the integrity of archaeological sites remain intact, even as tourism continues to grow, reports Travel and Tour World.

But if you enjoy collecting shells or pebbles from the beach, you could now land a fine.

The new regulation has caught the attention of holiday makers. Tourists who remove these natural elements from protected coastal areas now face fines of up to 1,000 euros (£864).

The idea behind this new rule is to protect the delicate ecosystem of Greece’s beaches, where even seemingly harmless actions like picking up shells can disturb local wildlife and contribute to the erosion of coastal landscapes.

Natural resources must be protected and the country’s coastal areas must be respected is the message behind the new rules.

Tourists have been urged to think about how their actions could impact the environment.

But this is not the only new rule which has been put in place. New sunbed regulations will also be enforced.

Greek law has long required that 70 percent of public beach space remains free from sunbeds and rental chairs. 

However, enforcement of this regulation is becoming stricter, with fines imposed on individuals or businesses that violate these guidelines.

Tourists should ensure to follow regulations when travelling to protect natural landscapes and avoid a hefty fine.