Is Italy’s Beach Paradise Off-Limits? 80% Owned by Private Entities

Just hours ago, geologist Mario Tozzi reignited the fiery debate surrounding the management of Italy’s beaches. With a clear and compelling argument, Tozzi highlighted an unsettling reality: the proportion of beaches controlled by private interests is alarmingly high, ranking as the second highest in Europe. This issue has sparked widespread public concern, particularly as the summer season approaches and the coastline beckons.

Data from the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) in their latest survey—echoed by reports from La Repubblica—reveals that Italy boasts a sprawling 8,000 kilometers of coastline. Yet, the sandy shores that create up 41% of this figure cover merely 120 square kilometers, a space tinyer than the city of Ostia. Erosion and storm surges further diminish the average depth of these areas to just 35 meters, complicating the already tense situation.

The Dwindling Availability of Public Beaches

The recent government statistics from October 2023 reveal that only 33% of the coastline is under concession. However, the Legambiente’s 2024 Beach Report clarifies that this figure includes both built-up and rocky stretches, not solely the accessible and low-lying coastal areas. In some municipalities in Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and Campania, the share of private beaches soars to 70%, and according to the startup Coste360, it even reaches 81% in certain areas. This stark contrast paints a grim picture of accessibility, with Italy only second to Hungary—where 100% of lake beaches are privatized—in terms of private beach ownership in Europe. By comparison, Greece has 15%, Croatia and Portugal 5%, and France and Spain a mere 2%.

The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Enjoyment

Escalating Summer Temperatures

Not only does the privatization issue deter beachgoers, but the increasingly scorching summer temperatures, driven by climate alter, are also turning away potential visitors. Stefano Ciafani, an environmental engineer and president of Legambiente, points out, “The heat at the beach has become unbearable. Swimming all day isn’t feasible, and spconcludeing a vacation in 40-degree weather can be quite unpleasant, often confining people to air-conditioned rooms.”

Economic and Tourism Decline

A recent national plan addressing climate adaptation, dated December 2023, predicts a grim future. With a projected 2-degree rise in temperature, tourism could drop by 6.6%, international arrivals by 15%, and the economic toll could be staggering—around 17 billion euros lost annually.

Regulatory Uncertainty and Environmental Concerns

Challenges Facing Beach Operators

Ciafani also highlights the legislative uncertainty plaguing beach concessions. “Beach operators themselves are left in limbo by the current government. Without a clear direction, they are the first to suffer from a policy of postponed decisions or responsibilities shifted to local authorities,” he emphasizes.

Pollution Near Public Beaches

Moreover, it’s crucial not to oversee the environmental state of these public beaches. Recent findings from Goletta Verde’s monitoring indicate that 56% of the polluted river mouths are near a public beach, suggesting a possible link between the availability of free beaches and environmental degradation.

As Italy grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the future of its beloved coastlines hangs in the balance, urging immediate action and long-term strategies to preserve public access and environmental integrity.