by croatiaweek
August 22, 2025
in
(Makarski Komunalac/Screenshot)
Makarska’s municipal services (Makarski Komunalac) have once again carried out a dawn operation to keep local beaches clean and accessible to all.
In a video shared on social media, workers can be seen removing sun loungers, towels, inflatable mattresses, tents and even children’s toys which had been left on the sand from the previous day, or early in the morning, in an attempt to reserve beach spots.
They stressed that the mission is about ensuring order, cleanliness and fairness, thanking those who support their efforts and apologising to residents and guests along the Makarska Riviera who have written in with concerns.
They also reminded the public that the Makarska municipal services is only responsible for the City of Makarska, while neighbouring municipalities have their own services to oversee local beaches.
Divided opinions
The move sparked a lively debate online. Some praised the workers, saying it is unfair that people attempt to “occupy” prime spots hours before they actually use them.
“Bravo! I hope you don’t give up. You arrive at the beach at half past nine and there is nowhere to put a towel, yet the beach is empty,” one user commented.
Others, however, criticised the decision, arguing that beaches are public spaces and that belongings should not be removed by officials.
“Shameful. The beach belongs to everyone. People should be able to leave what they want there. It’s different if it’s rubbish,” another wrote.
Several also pointed to the issue of concessionaires who place rows of loungers on beaches and then rent them out, limiting the free space available for visitors.
@makarski.komunalac Redarstvo i komunalci u još jednoj jutarnjoj misiji za uredne plaže, čiste i dostupne svima. 💪 Hvala svima koji podržavaju red, isprike svim gostima i građanima koji nam pišu s cijele Makarske rivijere, a ne stignemo svima ni odgovoriti. Podsjećamo, Makarski komunalac je nadležan samo za Grad Makarsku, ostale općine na rivijeri imaju svoje službe koje su zadužene za red u njihovim mjestima. #makarskikomunalac #makarska #makarskariviera #croatia ♬ LUNA BALA (Slowed) – Yb Wasg’ood & Ariis
A recurring summer issue
The practice of leaving towels or personal items overnight to claim space has long been a summer problem across Croatian resorts, often leaving latecomers frustrated when arriving at the beach.
With Makarska’s latest clean-up, local authorities hope to keep the beaches fair and open for all.