Take pictures, not pebbles: that’s the message for tourists at Lalaria Beach in Skiathos. If they choose to ignore the warnings they may be fined over $1500.
Take one look at a photograph of this secluded Greek beach with its rare rock formations and turquoise water and it’s easy to see why its popular with tourists.
The beach, which can only be reached by boat, graces many people’s travel bucket-lists.
Image: Shutterstock
Its shores are home to rounded white pebbles known as ‘lalaria’ which are totally unique to the beach. Sadly, many who come to pristine beach think it’s perfectly ok to pocket these pebbles as free souvenirs.
With thousands of tourists doing this over many years, the beach is slowly but surely being damaged.
Officials on the Greek Osland say way too many rocks have been taken, leading to a dramatic change in the landscape of the shoreline.
Friendly warnings have not been enough to stop the thieving holidaymakers, resulting in the hefty fine being introduced.
Posters to raise awareness about the situation have been placed around the beach and given to boat operators and fishermen in the area so the message can be spread across Greece.
So now it is official, pocket these precious rocks and you may be hit with a fine of up to £900 or $1600 Aussie dollars.
Ultimately, tourists need to wake up to the fact that this magical spot will be destroyed if they keep stealing from its shoreline.
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