On the Adriatic coast of Croatia, tourists are being reassured that private beaches do not exist, all public beaches must remain accessible to everyone. This message has been widely circulated through the Croatian online portal Index, which has published the information in ten languages, including Slovenian, to inform visitors arriving in the country this summer. The guidance aims to clarify that while certain signs such as “Private Beach,” “Reserved for Guests,” or “No Entry” might appear near some beaches, they do not mean access is restricted. Instead, these signs merely indicate that specific services or amenities may be available for purchase, not that entry to the beach itself is barred. The law enacted in Croatia in 2023 mandates that public, natural, and regulated beaches must remain open to all under equal conditions. They cannot be fenced off, charged for entry, or excluded from general use. While concessions can be granted for commercial activities on parts of the beach, such as the placement of sunbeds or umbrellas, the concessionaire does not gain the right to convert the entire beach into a private space. Exceptions apply only to beaches designated for patients of public health institutions and certain nudist sites. The legal framework explicitly rejects arguments based on family property or personal construction, emphasizing that the sea and coastal areas belonging to the so-called maritime fund are intended for public use. Tourists are advised that they have the right to bring their own towels, food, drinks, and coolers to the beach. They are allowed to lie on the sand and enjoy the sun without needing to rent equipment or pay for entry. However, they should respect local rules, safety guidelines, marked swimming zones, and the rights of other visitors. It is also emphasized that individuals cannot reserve spots on the beach or leave belongings behind overnight. If someone attempts to prevent them from using the beach, tourists are encouraged to call the police or contact local or maritime authorities. The issue of beach accessibility has sparked controversy, particularly after reports surfaced of high fees for sunbeds and umbrellas at popular locations such as Miločer Beach, known locally as Kraljevo Beach, and nearby beaches near St. Stefan. One tourist, who posted her experience on social media, described paying 200 euros for two sunbeds and one umbrella, which she found excessive. She noted that even on these well-known beaches, there were still free options available, though she questioned how long they would remain accessible. Her video went viral, highlighting growing concerns over rising costs and limited availability of public spaces. This situation mirrors broader debates across Europe, especially in Italy, where tensions between advocates of free public access and operators of private beaches have intensified. In Italy, many of the most attractive coastal areas are managed by concessionaires who charge high prices for services such as sunbed rentals, showers, and dining. Critics argue that the number of free beaches is declining, making it increasingly difficult for lower-income visitors to enjoy the coastline. Activists with groups like Free Seas National Coordination warn that many public beaches are located in less appealing or less suitable areas, often near rocky shores or inadequate facilities, creating a disparity between those who can afford to visit and those who cannot. The European Union has also taken notice, calling for greater transparency in the granting of beach concessions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government extended existing concessions until September 2027, with potential extensions until March 2028. Meanwhile, EU officials continue to push for more competitive and open tendering processes for beach management contracts. Some municipalities have already initiated new tenders for concessions extending to 2033, but in many cases, current operators have retained their licenses. Legal challenges are ongoing, with courts examining whether these procedures comply with regulations. As the summer season unfolds, the debate over beach access continues to evolve. For tourists, the key takeaway is clear: while private beaches do not exist in Croatia, the cost of accessing public ones has risen significantly. Visitors are urged to make informed choices, take advantage of free alternatives, and ensure they understand their rights. Whether these changes will lead to lasting reforms or further disputes remains uncertain, but one thing is evident, the fight for equitable access to the sea is far from over.
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