Romanian coast sees surge in beach reservation fees and sunbed prices

European coastal authorities have introduced reservation systems, daily visitor limits and extra fees to protect shorelines and curb overcrowding. Tourists argue the measures raise costs and restrict free access, with examples such as Italy’s newly fee‑based beach bookings and comments from journalist Annabel Grossman on the growing commercialisation of popular shores.

On Romania’s Black Sea coast, the price of sunbeds (șezlonguri) has risen sharply over the past five years. In Vama Veche, a weekday seat has jumped from 30 lei in 2021 to 50 lei in 2026, while weekend rates have more than doubled to 80 lei, and premium spots can reach 100 lei per day. Mamaia’s top locations now charge up to 150 lei for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella. Other resorts such as Eforie Nord and Constanţa show modest increases. Seasonal subscription passes, costing about 600 lei for 15 weeks, have also appeared. These price hikes outpace the roughly 50 % cumulative inflation recorded in Romania between 2021 and 2026.