Marin Miletić reopens access to Costabella beach in Rijeka

Croatian parliamentarian Marin Miletić, representing the town of Most, led a group of about fifty supporters in boats to the Costabella beach fronting the Hilton hotel in Rijeka. Using an electric grinder he repeatedly cut through metal gates that the hotel had installed, stating that the sea and its beaches are a public good that must remain free for all citizens.

Miletić cited the 2015 concession granted under the Zoran Milanović government, which permits fencing of the beach but explicitly forbids charging for entry or completely excluding non‑hotel guests. He filed a criminal complaint in March against the management company JTH Costabella for alleged illegal restriction of access and a €130 fee he described as a charge for mere beach use.

The Ministry of Sea, the State Attorney’s Office and the environmental police (DORH) have opened investigations into the concession’s compliance. Hotel officials deny charging for beach access, claiming the fee relates to a wellness package. Miletić posted videos of the “desant” on social media, quoting, “Ne osjećam se ugodno što kao saborski zastupnik moram dolaziti s brusilicom i piliti ograde,” and “Vratili smo plažu u ruke naroda.” He pledged to continue reopening the passage until state authorities enforce the law.