Thursday, July 19, 2007

Day on Italian Sand - Costly But Elegant

The ANNOTICO Report

Almost all Italian beaches are privately owned and immaculately groomed, with sun beds and umbrellas arranged with geometric precision.  But it's a costly proposition, that most Italians feel worth the cost to make their vacation special. 

 

Day on the Sand Costs Italians a Record #67

 

Telegraph.co.uk - United Kingdom
By Malcolm Moore in Rome

July 18, 2007

 

Going to the beach in Italy has become a costly pursuit with some popular spots charging a record  EU 100 (#67) entrance fee.

Almost all Italian beaches are privately owned and immaculately groomed, with sun beds and umbrellas arranged with geometric precision.

In August, Italians decamp to the coast for a month's holiday, and many of them choose to rent out bathing huts at their favourite beach to be sure of a space.

The catch is an increasingly exorbitant entry fee, especially in the fashionable resorts of Sardinia, Sicily and Tuscany.

This year, entry fees on the island of Capri broke through the EU 100 barrier for the first time. The fee includes parking, a sun lounger and umbrella, and the use of a cabin. Fees for the top tier of beaches are on average 17 per cent higher than last year.

Consumer groups have lodged a petition with the government to open more public beaches, saying that many families cannot now afford to go to their local beach.

 

 

The ANNOTICO Reports Can be Viewed (and are Archived) on:

Italia USA: http://www.ItaliaUSA.com [Formerly Italy at St Louis] (7 years)

Italia Mia: http://www.ItaliaMia.com (3 years)

Annotico Email: annotico@earthlink.net