Beach resorts, a turning point: the forced closure letter has arrived | Back to 1970: it will only be a free beach

A novelty that could revolutionize the way we go on holiday .

Beach establishments are concessions of public maritime land entrusted to private individuals or cooperatives, who manage portions of the beach by equipping them with services for bathers. Each establishment generally offers umbrellas, sunbeds, cabins, showers, bathrooms, bar service and sometimes also catering, entertainment or water sports. These concessions are issued by the State, through the Municipalities, for a certain number of years and upon payment of an annual fee.

The manager of the establishment takes care of the maintenance of the area, safety on the beach (with the mandatory presence of lifeguards), and regulated access. Although the use of the beach is public by law, access to the equipped areas and services of the establishment is subject to payment. However, there are mandatory steps to reach the shoreline, which must always remain accessible free of charge.

In recent years, the management of concessions has become a subject of discussion , especially in reference to the European Bolkestein directive, which provides for public tenders for the assignment of beach concessions, rather than their automatic renewal. This has raised tensions between the State, the Municipalities and the historical managers, who fear losing the fruit of years of investments.

Despite the controversy , the establishments are a key element of Italian coastal tourism, offering comfort and safety to visitors and contributing to the local economy. In high season, especially in the most popular places, reservations can be made online or directly on site, but the best places are often occupied well in advance.

The sea takes everything: the factory must close

After 18 years of business, Andrea Calvani is forced to close the Lido di Nausicaa. The sea has literally reclaimed the beach, leaving only debris and despair. The storm surges have destroyed the wooden kiosk four times, and after the last collapse in 2024 Calvani has decided to give up. He has returned the concession to the Municipality and publicly announced the end of his business, bitterly admitting that without “his majesty the sand” one cannot go on.

Calvani's story is a firsthand account of a losing battle against coastal erosion. Artificial interventions along the coast, such as the breakwaters built at Foce Verde, have altered the currents, leading to the expansion of some beaches and the disappearance of others. In the stretch of Lido di Nausicaa, the sand has vanished, and with it the possibility of working. Those who have a concession in a lucky stretch can continue, while the others are closing their doors.

A story of work, youth and resignation: here everyone has lost

The last attempt to reopen was in 2023, but it ended with a loss of over 20 thousand euros. Requests to move were not answered, and promises of anti-erosion projects turned out to be just words.

More than the economic damage , there is the human pain: dozens of kids worked at Nausicaa to pay for their studies. Calvani receives messages of affection and disbelief today, but no concrete solution. And the bitter feeling is that no one really wanted to find it.