Holidaymakers in the popular Croatian resort town of Makarska are facing a crackdown on the practice of reserving beach spots with towels and inflatables. Local authorities have begun early morning patrols to remove unattended belongings, aiming to free up space and provide equitable access to prime locations.
Municipal crews, wardens, and harbor staff are conducting these clear-outs, particularly as soaring temperatures drive tourists to seek out desirable spots, including shaded areas. During one recent operation, officials collected enough abandoned items to fill an entire truck. The initiative targets the practice of leaving items on the sand overnight to claim a spot for later arrivals, despite existing signage prohibiting such reservations.
The municipal company Makarski Komunalac issued a public warning on Facebook, stating that these actions would continue as long as individuals refuse to adhere to beach usage rules. The crackdown also extends to commercial operators who use sunbeds to occupy large sections of the beach, emphasizing that the coastline is for public enjoyment.
Authorities are advising holidaymakers to remove their towels and personal items from the beach at the end of each day to avoid confiscation. This effort to ensure fair beach access mirrors similar strategies being employed by hotels worldwide to combat the issue of "sunbed hogging." Some establishments are implementing timed reservation systems through apps like Reservato, while others, like the Sunset Beach Club hotel in Benalmádena, have used security personnel to manage pool and sunbed access. Other hotels have adopted policies of removing unattended items left on loungers for extended periods.