The beaches of Italy, empty due to prices. Italians have no holiday money: “Many families are struggling to reach the end of the month”
Italians tend to avoid private beaches in the country this summer, against the backdrop of pricing. Going to the beach and renting cabins, sunbeds and sun umbrellas – usually in the same place – it has long been a habit rooted in the Italian culture of summer holidays.
Photo: Facebook Visit Sardinia
According to The Guardian, this year's season started with a significant decrease in the number of tourists, after the private resorts along the two long coastal stretches of Italy registered a decrease between 15% and 25% in June and July, compared to the same period of 2024.
The problem is not encountered at the weekend, when the seaside resorts are often crowded, especially those close to cities like Rome, but during the week. Those who go to the beach also spend less on food and drink.
Fabrizio Licordari, the president of Assobalneari Italy, an association that represents the clubs on the coast, attributed the decrease of the high cost of life and its consequences on the purchasing power.
“Even with two wages, many families are struggling to reach the end of the month“He told the ANSA news agency.”In such circumstances, it is natural for the first expenses that will be reduced to be those for leisure, entertainment and holidays. ”
The decrease in the number of visitors coincides, however, with the increase of the costs of the private spa resorts and with the increasing rebellion against their dominance on the Italian shores, which left very little space for free beaches.
The cost of renting a lounge chair is a recurring topic of discussion. On average, it costs 17% more than four years ago, according to the figures published this week by the Altroconsumo Consumer Group.
On the beaches of the Lazio region, for example, it is difficult to rent two loungers and an umbrella for less than 30 euros per day. This amount increases to about 90 euros in the Gallipoli popular resort in Puglia.
Alessandro Gassmann actor fueled the debate after posting on his Instagram page a photo with a beach with deserted loungers and wrote with her: “I read that the season is not going well. Maybe it is because of the exaggerated and economic situation of the country, which forces the Italians to choose the free beaches? You lower the prices and maybe things will improve.”
Maurizio Rustignoli, President of Fiba, the Italian Federation of the spa resorts, claimed that the reports on the high price increases are “Deceitful” And that, where they took place, they were only a small percentage. He added that, on the other hand, people benefit from services such as security and surveillance of lifeguards.
But the Codacons Consumer Association said that going to the spa resorts has become “a burden” for people's finances and accused the concession owners of “crying with crocodile tears.”
The Romanian coast, as unattractive
In full summer season, those in Horeca complain that their profit decreases, and under the given conditions they even think that they will be forced to close their business. But they are not foreign to what is happening to them.
That is why Bulgaria has become a destination more sought after by tourists in Romania in recent years, given the affordable prices. One of the most popular attractions is the Bulgarian coast, with known resorts such as golden sands, Sunny Beach or Albena.
To attract tourists, some patrons give up increases and launch offers to fill their rooms.
