Hilton hotel blocks access to Costabella beach in Rijeka, prompting political backlash

Hilton, the concessionaire of the Costabella beach area in Rijeka, sealed all pathways to the popular shoreline after local MP Marin Miletić had previously removed barriers. Miletić condemned the move as an act of arrogance backed by political elites and vowed to continue the fight for free public access, accusing senior officials of enabling the closure.

In the nearby town of Supetar, authorities issued a new directive banning the reservation of beach spots by leaving towels, sun‑beds or umbrellas overnight. Mayor Ivana Marković warned that any personal equipment left to claim a place will be confiscated by the city’s maritime police, emphasizing that the beaches are public maritime property that must be equally available to all visitors.