Spatial dynamics of coastal areas: the case of Greece

As in other Mediterranean countries, coastal areas in Greece are increasingly threatened by rapid urbanisation, pollution and development, particularly tourism. Thus it should be pointed out that Greece is facing problems of anthropic saturation and an andangered environment in some parts of its marine and coastal areas. This paper intends to provide a rough outline of the evolution of coastal areas aver the past few decades, focusing on human pressure, tourist pressure, the settlement system, land use and spatial planning.