ABSTRACT
Greece is the country with the most extensive coastline among Mediterranean countries, the shoreline length exceeding 15,000 km. Tourism plays an important role, as Greece is ranked among the 20 most important tourist destinations globally, while a significant number of areas depend almost entirely on tourism. Tourist growth is located mainly in coastal regions, making this zone a very important economic asset. Along the coastline of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese islands, the average annual significant wave height is higher, becoming smaller to the West, along the eastern coasts of Attica and the Peloponnesus. Physiographic setting Climate Greece is located in the north temperate climate zone, characterized overall by a Mediterranean climate. One effect of large-scale socio-economic development in Greece has been a marked decrease in sediment supply from existing natural sources. In order to secure a sustainable coastal development and to protect life and property, a full environmental impact assessment study is required for any coastal zone construction.
