Special "The Journey"
You reach the coast, spot the water just steps away, and then discover that the first row is filled with umbrellas and chairs bearing the names of hotels and beach clubs. The sea itself may be public, but the short distance that separates you from it has turned, in many destinations, into one of the most expensive tourist spaces.

And here begins the question: Who actually owns the beach?

Italy...the towel loses to the umbrella

In Italy, thousands of beach establishments operate on a concessions system, and in some resorts finding a free space for a towel is more difficult than finding a paid chair. This model transformed beach services into an economy of its own, but it also opened an ongoing debate about the public's right to access the coast.

Greece said: Leave space for people

As for Greece, it witnessed during the past years what was known as the "Towel Movement", after protests against the extension of chairs and umbrellas on some islands. In 2026, protection expanded to include 251 beaches where the operation of commercial chairs and umbrellas is prohibited, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

Dubai...the sea is part of the room price
In Dubai, coastal hotels offer a different model. Many resorts sell an integrated experience, with a private or designated beach for guests as part of its value. In addition to swimming pools, restaurants and beach clubs. On the other hand, the city maintains public beaches that give the visitor another option outside the resorts.

The northern coast of Egypt... arrival begins with reservations

In Egypt, the picture appears clearer on the northern coast. According to the official Egyptian Tourism website, most of the “Sahel’s” beaches are located within private resorts and villages, which means that access to them is often linked to residence, owning, or renting a unit within the project. Here the visitor pays not only for the chair, but also for the entry gate to the beach itself.

Saudi Arabia.. The first row is being built again

On the Saudi Red Sea, another equation is emerging: new coastal destinations are being built from the beginning around resorts, islands and luxury experiences. Shura Island, for example, brings together hotels, beach clubs, restaurants and entertainment facilities within an integrated destination, while Jeddah at the same time offers a promenade, beaches and marine experiences open to a wider audience.

Why pay for something free?
The investors' argument is simple: the tourist does not pay for the sea, but for comfort, service and privacy. The chair, the umbrella, the shower, the restaurant, the security and the organization all turn into part of the tourism product.

But the tourist has another question that is no less important: Is there enough space left for those who just want to reach the sea?

The first grade is more expensive than sand

For the investor, direct access to water is an advantage that can translate into a higher price for a room or real estate unit. For Arab tourists, the phrase “private beach” always deserves an additional question: Is admission included? Are the chairs free? Is the beach really private, or does the hotel only have the privilege to operate it?

The first row in front of the sea has become, in many cities, a tourist and real estate asset in itself... even if the sea itself remains everyone's property.