There are no private beaches in Croatia and the towel does not guarantee a reservation

Croatian authorities have clarified that private beaches do not exist along their coastline, and beach vendors are not permitted to offer reservations for public access. This clarification comes amid growing confusion among tourists and local businesses regarding the legal boundaries of public versus private beach areas. According to information provided by the Croatian Index, which has published articles in multiple languages including Slovenian, Italian, Chinese, Hungarian, Polish, Czech, German, English, and French, the coastal areas, often referred to as “maritime property”, are not privately owned but are designated for general public use. Property owners who live near the sea are not automatically considered the owners of the adjacent beach, nor does a hotel become the owner of a beach simply because it is located nearby. The Index explains that while some signs such as “Private Beach,” “Reserved for Guests,” or “No Entry” may appear on certain stretches of shoreline, these do not imply private ownership. Tourists are allowed to use public beaches freely, with the exception of specific restrictions related to accessing private property. For instance, visitors are not permitted to cross through someone else’s garden or yard, nor can they enter military harbours, shipyards, or other facilities with special purposes. Access to the coast does not grant the right to walk through private land. Additionally, public beaches must remain unenclosed and free of entrance fees, though concessionaires may obtain special rights to operate commercial activities such as selling food, beverages, and sunbeds. It is important to note that while vendors may offer goods and services on public beaches, visitors retain the right to bring their own food and drinks. If there is a restaurant or kiosk on the beach, individuals need not be its customers to enjoy the space. The Index clarifies that although vendors have the right to provide their products and services, visitors have the right to decline them. The rules also state that vendors may arrange sunbeds, umbrellas, and other equipment within the scope and area specified in their permits. However, they are prohibited from setting up all the beds and occupying the entire beach area too early in the morning. This ensures that public spaces remain accessible to everyone without being monopolized by commercial operators. There have been instances where locals claim that certain beaches were built specifically for them, but Croatian law does not recognize such arguments. The government maintains that public beaches must remain open to all, and any attempt to restrict access solely to hotel guests or invitees is illegal. Exceptions are made for beaches used by patients in public health institutions for treatment or rehabilitation, as well as nudist beaches. Local businesses and tourism officials have expressed concern over the clarity of these regulations, particularly in light of recent incidents where tourists were denied entry to beaches they believed were publicly available. Some vendors argue that the current framework allows for reasonable commercial activity without infringing upon public access, while others believe the rules are overly restrictive and unclear. As the summer season approaches, both tourists and local authorities will continue to navigate these complex guidelines. The Croatian government has indicated that further clarification and enforcement measures may be introduced to ensure compliance with existing laws and protect the integrity of public coastal spaces.