Shade on Croatia’s Beaches Is Getting Harder to Find—Sunbeds and Towels Are Taking Over

Shade on Croatian Beaches: A Growing Tourist Frustration

According to УНІАН — Туризм: Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is a summer magnet for international travelers, yet the hunt for shade has become an increasingly stressful part of the day. German tourist Mike Klein, vacationing with his wife and three small children, says the family arrives at the beach early every morning but still usually ends up in the full sun or in weak shade that disappears quickly. Their one-year-old has already broken out in a heat rash from the extreme temperatures.

Why Shade Is So Hard to Find

Klein says the main culprit is the early-morning routine of rental companies, whose workers spread out sunbeds and towels on the sand so that large stretches of coast look reserved. The municipality of Tučepi introduced a ban on towel reservations in 2024, but Leon Šarić, an inspector in charge of public areas, notes that the municipality has no maritime inspector authorized by law to police the shoreline. Anyone caught violating the rule faces a fine of up to €130, or about 6,000 Ukrainian hryvnias.

Supetar’s mayor, Ivana Marković, believes commercial sunbeds are an even greater problem than towel reservations. Croatia’s Law on Maritime Public Property and Ports states that beaches are open to all and that no one may occupy a section of the shore without a legal basis. After Mike Klein contacted the authorities, they confirmed an investigation had been launched into the activities of equipment rental operators at Kamen beach.

“Finding free space in natural shade is almost impossible. For many holidaymakers it comes down to either renting a sunbed or sitting in the sun,”

Klein said.

The shortage of shaded places underscores the need for clearer beach regulations and more effective enforcement. Without action, many visitors could leave with a negative impression, and local authorities will face growing pressure to make public beaches more welcoming for everyone.

The challenges associated with finding shade aren't unique to Croatia. In Italy, there is also a growing concern regarding the management of private beaches. With increasing regulations and crackdowns on unauthorized beach occupancies, visitors are facing similar frustrations. To learn more about the situation affecting beach access and regulations in Italy, read about the recent measures being implemented to address private beach issues.