Lying on the beach is more expensive than dinner, even water costs one euro.

A tourist has sparked outrage online after posting a photo of a notice on a beach in Italy’s Liguria region, revealing that visitors are being charged one euro per refill of bottled water. The incident took place at a beach in Noli, where the cost of sunbeds and umbrellas was already high, but the additional charge for refilling water bottles has left many tourists stunned and questioning whether such pricing is justified. The controversy began when Enza Guerro, a visitor to the Italian coast, shared images of the price list on social media, particularly Facebook. According to her post, she was quoted a fee of 100 euros for two sunbeds and an umbrella. When she expressed surprise, staff reportedly offered a discount of 80 euros. However, this did not ease her concerns. What truly unsettled her was the additional charge of one euro for filling a bottle with drinking water, a detail that quickly went viral and ignited heated discussions among netizens. Guerro emphasized that while she does not dispute the right of businesses to set their prices, she found the practice of charging for something as basic as water excessive. “We have reached a point where they are charging for things that should represent hospitality and common sense,” she wrote. She argued that tourism thrives on creating positive experiences, not on extracting extra money from guests at every opportunity. “A guest might forget how much they paid for an umbrella, but they will certainly remember how they were treated.” The beach in question, Al Chiosco, responded to the criticism. Its owner, Giovanni Riccio, stated that the one-euro charge was not intended to generate profit but rather to reduce plastic waste. He explained that the beach had long been committed to minimizing plastic usage. Previously, guests were given water in cardboard packaging, but due to supply chain changes, they transitioned to a system involving reusable glass bottles with a symbolic fee. Riccio stressed that the goal was to encourage the reuse of bottles and lower the amount of plastic waste generated, not to exploit tourists. The issue has divided opinions. Some critics argue that charging for a fundamental necessity like water is unreasonable and another example of overcharging tourists. Others support the initiative, viewing it as a sensible environmental measure. Supporters believe that the small fee encourages sustainable practices and reduces reliance on single-use plastics, which can have broader ecological benefits. The situation highlights the ongoing debate around rising costs on Italian beaches, where sunbed rentals and other services have become increasingly expensive. While some see these charges as necessary for maintaining infrastructure and providing quality service, others view them as exploitative, especially when combined with additional fees for seemingly basic amenities. As the discussion continues, the response from local authorities and other beach operators remains unclear. Whether similar measures will be adopted elsewhere or face resistance depends largely on public perception and regulatory oversight. For now, the incident serves as a focal point in the larger conversation about sustainability, consumer rights, and the economic pressures faced by coastal communities.