Spiaggia libera o stabilimento? This is the eternal question of Italy’s sea vacanzieri.  Spiaggia libera, which means, literally, “free beach,” is open to everyone, but has no services, besides an outdoor shower and public toilets. 

Stabilimenti, on the other hand, offer full services including deckchairs, tables, beach umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, cafès, and restaurants. Of course, all that comes to a price, which can change depending on the time of the year, the location, and how far your chair is from the water.