Sunbed and umbrella hire: the cheapest Italian beach in 2026

In 2026, Italian beach club rates rose by 6% year-on-year. Lignano Sabbiadoro is the most economical destination, with a budget of 157 euros per week, while Alassio remains the most expensive at 340 euros. Discover Altroconsumo's complete ranking of ten seaside resorts, between price rises, public beaches and the debate over maritime concessions.

For those who want to save money this summer without giving up the sea, there are still a few options left. According to an Altroconsumo survey of 222 establishments in ten seaside resorts, prices on Italy's private beaches have risen by an average of 6% in 2026 compared to last year, with a cumulative increase of 24% over the last five years. However, not all destinations have the same impact on the wallet.

The cheapest beach? Lignano Sabbiadoro

If you want to enjoy the sea in Italy without spending a fortune, the destination to mark in your diary is Lignano Sabbiadoro, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. At an average of 157 euros per week for a pitch in the first four rows, it's the most affordable of the resorts analyzed. A significant figure, especially when compared with the 340 euros for Alassio, Italy's most expensive destination.

Survey methodology

The survey was carried out between April 20 and May 20, 2026, via anonymous telephone calls to 222 establishments in ten seaside resorts. For each destination, at least 20% of beach clubs were surveyed, with a minimum of ten facilities per zone.

The complete ranking, from cheapest to most expensive

• Lignano Sabbiadoro (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) - €157
• Rimini (Emilia-Romagna) - €158
• Senigallia (Marche) - €159
• Anzio (Lazio) - € 179
• Palinuro (Campania) - €188
• Viareggio (Tuscany) - € 232
• Taormina and Giardini Naxos (Sicily) - €237
• Alghero (Sardinia) - €274
• Gallipoli (Apulia) - €324
• Alassio (Liguria) - €340

Rates per row average 238 euros per week for the first row, 229 euros for the second, 219 euros for the third and 210 euros for the fourth.

Public beaches: still rare, but the lines are moving

For many families, private beaches are now unaffordable, but public beaches are not always a viable solution: free stretches of sand are gradually being replaced by concession areas. The Ligurian municipality of Spotorno is an exception to the rule: it has increased its share of public beaches, while guaranteeing cleanliness, supervision, showers and sanitary facilities for bathers at no extra cost.

What Italians want

A survey carried out between April 27 and 30, 2026 on a sample of 1,058 people revealed a divided population: 37% prefer privately-equipped establishments, 35% public beaches, and more than a quarter say they are open to both solutions. Those who choose private beach clubs do so mainly for comfort, in 80% of cases. Conversely, those who opt for public beaches cite economic reasons in 79% of cases, and the freedom to change location each day (in 63% of cases).

The political battle over concessions

Coastal management remains the crux of the issue. Among those aware of the debate on beach concessions, 63% believe that a reform should result in lower rates. What's more, one consumer in two now considers it essential to introduce periodic renewal of the operators of the establishments.

Altroconsumo denounces a structural imbalance: the royalties paid to the State by concessionaires are often derisory, while the rates charged to tourists continue to rise. The organization has launched a nationwide petition, which has already exceeded 91,000 signatures, calling for transparent, periodic invitations to tender, a ceiling on the number of concessions issued and an increase in the number of open-access beaches.

Source : Altroconsumo