Greece plans new regulations for hotel pools amid drought

Greek authorities have approved new regulations for short-term rentals aimed at enhancing property safety and sustainability in the tourism sector. The regulations require all short-term rental properties to meet specific safety standards, including natural lighting, ventilation, and necessary safety equipment. Additionally, properties lacking compliance, such as basements with inadequate light, will be prohibited from being rented out. The law, supported by major tourism bodies but criticized by some property managers, will take effect on October 1, 2025, with fines for non-compliance potentially reaching €5,000. Meanwhile, Greece is also exploring innovative measures to address water scarcity caused by ongoing droughts, including legislation that would allow hotel pools to be filled with seawater, a move aimed at conserving freshwater resources. Critics of this proposal express concerns over potential environmental impacts from discharging chemically-treated seawater back into the sea.