Corfu: Mon Repos Beach Contract Expires – Inter-Association Body Demands New Agreement
Corfu, May 4, 2026 – The contract for the concession of Mon Repos Beach, the sole municipal beach in Corfu city, expired on 31/07/2026. This development has led to an urgent request from a joint committee of cultural and environmental associations for a new agreement, aiming to safeguard the public and social character of the beach.
The inter-association committee, representing various cultural and environmental groups in Corfu, has sent a letter to the relevant municipal authorities. The letter fully adopts the concerns raised by the group “Mono Repo” regarding the expiration of the concession contract.
Background of the Expired Contract
The previous concession contract for Mon Repos Beach was signed during the mayorship of Mr. Nikolouzos. This agreement reportedly caused significant inconvenience to citizens who traditionally use the area for their daily swimming. Mon Repos Beach holds particular social and historical significance for the city of Corfu, being its only municipal beach.
Key Demands from the Associations
The inter-association committee, acting as long-time users and lovers of the beach, has put forward several key demands for the new contract:
- Timely Announcement of New Contract: To ensure the beach operates normally throughout the summer season without interruptions.
- Guaranteed Free Access: Explicit assurance of free access to the shoreline, as mandated by law and the Constitution. This includes keeping the lower gate permanently open.
- Exclusive Restaurant Concession: The restaurant and its designated area (the circular concrete section) should be exclusively granted. This would allow for a rental fee that enables the hiring of a night guard, while the rest of the area remains free and accessible to the public, as it was historically before the last contract.
- Price Caps for Basic Products: A provision for maximum prices on essential items (water, toast, etc.), similar to those in canteens and on ships, given that the beach serves the daily needs of city families.
- Annual Maintenance and Lifeguard Presence: Provision for annual maintenance of the jetty and mandatory presence of a lifeguard.
- Ensured Cleanliness: Guarantee of cleanliness throughout the entire area, not just within the business’s premises.
- Removal of Debris from Seabed: Collaboration with the Underwater Antiquities Service to remove stones and debris from the seabed. Informal discussions with authorities suggest this is feasible with on-site inspection by archaeologists, requiring primarily political will.
- Alternative Management Model: Exploration of an alternative and gentle exploitation scheme, such as a KOISPE (Social Cooperative Enterprise) or other social cooperative form, to ensure the social character of the beach.
The committee believes that the new contract presents an opportunity for a substantial restart, showing respect for citizens, the environment, and public property.
Participating Associations
The letter was signed by representatives of the following associations:
- Cultural Association San Giacomo – Andreas Katsaros
- Cultural, Environmental & Beautification Association of Halikiopoulos Lagoon – Petros Lavranos
- Cultural Association of Garitsa “To Alsos” – Alexandros Vergis
- Environmental Protection Association of Corfu – Grigorios Stelios
- Friends of Vido – Ioannis Kourkoulos
- Association of Permanent Residents of Corfu Old Town – George Zoumbos
- Cultural and Beautification Association “Agios Spyridon Kotsela” – Spyridoula Gkika
The issue of Mon Repos Beach and its future concession remains a significant concern for the local community, highlighting the importance of public spaces and their accessibility for all citizens.
Source: https://corfutvnews.gr/kerkyra-elikse-i-symvasi-stin-plaz-mon-repo-aitima-diasyllogikou-organou-gia-nea-symvasi/
