Italy’s stunning beaches, a magnet for both locals and international tourists, have long been associated with the cherished tradition of beach picnics. Families and friends gather by the seaside, enjoying homemade food, drinks, and the picturesque coastline. However, this beloved custom is facing a critical crossroads due to the increasing commercialization of beach spaces and the shrinking availability of public areas.
At the heart of this issue lie Italy’s beach concessions, where coastal businesses rent out sections of the beach to provide amenities like sun loungers, umbrellas, and refreshments. These concessions have been passed down through families for generations, particularly in coastal towns, creating a lucrative but closed market. The European Commission has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in this system, deeming it a breach of competition rules.
By early 2025, Italy is expected to undergo a significant shift in its beach concession policies as the European Union presses the Italian government to open up the market to fairer competition. While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has attempted to mitigate the impact, the existing system will likely have to adapt to accommodate these changes.
Economist Pietro Paganini argues that increased competition would ultimately benefit everyone, particularly since these concessions, situated on public land, are often exploited at low costs, leaving fewer free beaches accessible to the public. Government data indicates that approximately 33% of Italy’s 11,000-kilometer coastline is under concession. While a significant portion of the coastline is unsuitable for development, this figure represents a substantial portion of usable beach space, limiting public access.
Mare Libero, an organization advocating for public access, has called for at least 50% of Italy’s usable beaches to be returned to the public, ensuring that beachgoers of all budgets can enjoy the sea. The gradual disappearance of public beach space has already begun to impact the long-standing tradition of seaside picnics. Families who once brought their own food and gathered on the beach are finding it increasingly difficult to do so. Beach concession owners, aiming to maintain control over their services, often discourage visitors from bringing their own food and drinks, encouraging them to purchase refreshments from the establishment instead.
This has sparked a “battle” between beachgoers and concession owners, with many feeling pressured to spend more than they desire to simply enjoy a day by the sea. The region of Puglia has even issued a statement clarifying that visitors have the right to bring their own food and drinks, provided they do so respectfully. However, the lack of clear regulations regarding what is considered “appropriate” for outside food and drink has given concession owners the freedom to impose their own rules. This has made it difficult for those with smaller budgets to continue enjoying beach picnics as they once did. For many families, the simple pleasures of sharing homemade meals by the sea are being replaced by expensive outings to beach bars and restaurants.
The implications of this shift extend beyond Italy’s borders. As Italy remains a top destination for global travelers, tourists visiting its iconic beaches may soon find fewer affordable options for enjoying the coastline. The rise of beach concessions has made it more challenging for budget-conscious tourists to access beaches without spending on amenities and refreshments. The erosion of free beach space risks transforming Italy’s coasts into exclusive areas where only those who can afford it get the full experience.
For international travelers drawn to Italy’s charm, the potential fading away of the seaside picnic tradition is a stark reminder of how commercialization can impact cultural practices. Where once a picnic on the sands was an affordable and authentic way to experience Italy’s beaches, tourists may soon find themselves limited to pricier alternatives, diminishing the spontaneous, laid-back spirit that has defined these experiences for decades.
As the deadline for policy reform approaches, the future of Italy’s beach culture hangs in the balance. Will concessions become more transparent and competitive, allowing for better public access? Or will beaches become increasingly commercialized, pushing out traditions like the seaside picnic in favor of profit-driven enterprises? For now, visitors to Italy may still find spaces to spread out a blanket and enjoy a homemade meal by the sea. However, as public beaches shrink, this quintessential Italian experience may soon become a relic of the past.
