Pedocin beach sees record visitors following gender-segregation controversy

The Alla Lanterna beach in Trieste, widely known as Pedocin, has seen a record surge in visitors following an international controversy regarding its century-old gender segregation policy. The beach is physically divided by a wall, with one side reserved for men and the other for women and children under 12.

The debate intensified following a June incident where a woman from Milan attempted to sunbathe in the male section with her partner. A dispute erupted when an older woman confronted her; the younger woman labeled the rules “sexist” and “backward,” while the older woman was reportedly on the male side only to assist her husband in taking their son with a disability to the restroom.

Despite the social debate, the controversy appears to have served as an unexpected advertisement. In July, the beach sold 53,610 tickets, a significant increase compared to 34,885 in July 2024 and 40,160 in July 2023. Over the last three months, approximately 100,000 people have visited the site, generating roughly 120,000 euros in revenue. Reports indicate that the majority of visitors are women.