Italian authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the practice of reserving beach spots with unattended belongings, imposing fines of up to €500 (approximately £428) on individuals engaging in what is colloquially known as 'furbetti dell’ombrellone,' or 'umbrella cheats.' This crackdown aims to ensure public access to coastlines and prevent individuals from informally claiming prime beach locations for extended periods.
Recent operations have seen significant confiscation of unattended items. In Torre del Greco, officials removed around 40 items, including chairs, tables, and parasols, from Laghetto Beach. Some belongings had reportedly been left unattended for over two days. Similar crackdowns in Castellabate, Campania, during July resulted in the removal of 200 items, while Campomarino, Campobasso, saw 170 items seized. Hundreds of unattended loungers and beach towels were also confiscated from Micenci beach in Sicily.
Graziano Gagliardi, general manager at Private Italy Tour, explained that the fines are not merely about unattended towels but about preserving access to public land. Unlike reserving a lounger at a hotel pool, Italian beaches are public property, necessitating different rules. Leaving items unattended can also impede beach cleaning efforts and create safety hazards, particularly if items like umbrellas are not properly secured during adverse weather.
Authorities clarified that brief absences, such as going for a swim, will not result in fines. The core rule emphasizes that any item brought to the beach should be removed when leaving for the day. For those concerned about securing a spot, official booking systems are recommended where available. Currently, approximately 20 Italian beaches have access limits, and some were already fully booked for the summer season by July.
This initiative mirrors similar actions taken in Croatia. The Adriatic resort of Makarska has also seen officials patrolling beaches early in the morning to collect unattended items, such as towels and inflatables, which often claim prime locations and shady areas. During one operation, enough abandoned items were seized to fill an entire truck. Makarski Komunalac, a municipal services company, issued a warning on Facebook stating that repeated actions would occur as long as individuals disregarded beach usage rules.
In addition to addressing individual beachgoers, authorities are also targeting commercial sunbed operators who occupy large stretches of beach, asserting that these spaces are intended for everyone's enjoyment rather than for those who manage to reserve the best spots.