Croatia public beach access disputes

In late July 2026 a Norwegian tourist was told by a hotel representative that a sun‑bathing platform at Bellevue Beach in Malom Lošinju was private, despite public signage. Hotel staff later confirmed the area was public, prompting the tourist to file complaints with the hotel, municipal authorities and the tourism board. The hotel cited a concession as the basis for its claim.

A week later, on Pašman island, a conflict arose when a Croatian woman moved chairs placed by Slovenian tourists on Varoš beach to reserve a shady spot. The Slovenian visitor confronted her, leading to a police report. The incident highlighted a common practice among some Slovenian visitors of reserving beach space with chairs and towels, which local authorities have not consistently addressed. Croatian law defines beaches as public maritime property, allowing access for all, and while it does not expressly forbid temporary reservation, exclusive occupation without legal basis is prohibited. Both cases illustrate ongoing tensions over the interpretation and enforcement of public beach access rights along the Adriatic coast.