'Sun bed wars' hit holidaymakers' wallets as Italy threatens tourists with £428 fines for saving the best beach spots

Italy has intensified its efforts to curb the practice of reserving beach spots by leaving personal items unattended, imposing fines of up to €500 (£428) on tourists caught doing so. The move targets individuals known locally as “furbetti dell’ombrellone,” or “umbrella cheats,” who leave towels, sun loungers, and other equipment on public beaches to secure a prime location for future visits. Local authorities have begun confiscating such items and fining offenders, marking a significant escalation in enforcement actions aimed at ensuring equitable access to public coastal areas. The crackdown has already led to the removal of numerous unattended items from several beaches across the country. In Laghetto Beach, Torre del Greco, officials collected approximately 40 items, including chairs, tables, and parasols, some of which had remained unattended for over two days. Similar operations took place in Castellabate, Campania, where 200 items were seized during a July crackdown, and in Campomarino, Campobasso, where 170 items were removed. Micenci Beach in Sicily also saw hundreds of unattended loungers and towels confiscated. These actions reflect a coordinated effort by municipal authorities to enforce new regulations and deter the informal reservation of beach spots. Graziano Gagliardi, general manager at Private Italy Tour, emphasized that the fines are not arbitrary but are intended to uphold public access to coastal areas. He noted that unlike hotel pool loungers, public beaches are considered communal property, and leaving items unattended can hinder access for others and pose safety risks, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Gagliardi clarified that tourists who briefly leave their belongings on the beach while swimming would not be fined, but those who leave items overnight must ensure all possessions are taken with them when departing. Authorities have also encouraged tourists to use official booking systems to reserve beach spots, especially given that around 20 beaches in Italy have implemented visitor limits for the summer season. Some of these beaches were already fully booked by mid-July, highlighting the growing demand for prime locations amid rising temperatures and increased tourist activity. This initiative aligns with similar measures taken in Croatia, where officials in Makarska, a popular Adriatic resort, began patrolling beaches at night to remove unattended items. In Makarska, municipal crews collaborated with beach wardens and harbor staff to conduct large-scale cleanups. One notable operation earlier this month resulted in the seizure of enough abandoned towels and inflatable mats to fill an entire truck. Despite warnings posted on beaches advising against reserving spots, some visitors continue to leave their belongings overnight, prompting further enforcement actions. A municipal services company, Makarski Komunalac, issued a stern message on Facebook, accompanied by images of wardens in action, emphasizing the need for compliance with beach regulations. The situation underscores a broader trend among Mediterranean countries seeking to manage increasing tourist pressures on public resources. As temperatures rise and more travelers seek sunny destinations, the challenge of maintaining fair access to beaches becomes more pronounced. Authorities in both Italy and Croatia are taking proactive steps to address this issue, aiming to balance the interests of tourists with the need to preserve public spaces for all users. With the summer season in full swing, the effectiveness of these measures will likely be tested as more visitors flock to coastal regions.