Beachgoers in Cyprus are facing higher costs this summer after authorities raised the maximum price caps for sunbeds and umbrellas, prompting complaints over overcharging and alleged irregularities.
The Central Beaches Committee has increased the ceiling price to €3.50 per sunbed and €3 per umbrella, up from €2.50 in both cases. The new rates are maximum limits and are not mandatory for municipalities.
The Cyprus Consumers Association warned the hikes come at a time of rising cost-of-living pressures, adding that a day at the beach is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many households.
“Going to the seaside is now turning into a luxury,” said Virginia Christou, legal officer of the association, noting also persistent complaints about weak enforcement of regulations.
Where prices are rising
Christou said the increases will not be applied everywhere. Charges will remain unchanged along Larnaca’s seafront, from Finikoudes to Mackenzie, as well as at beaches in the municipalities of Kourion and Limassol.
However, higher prices are expected in parts of Paphos, the Famagusta district in the south, Amathounta and other municipalities.
She added that a lack of clear information often leaves beachgoers uncertain about actual charges, despite operators being required to display pricing prominently.
Complaints over overcharging
The Consumers Association said it has received multiple complaints from bathers.
In one case in Famagusta district, a person who asked to rent one sunbed and one umbrella was reportedly told this was only possible if they paid for a full set of two sunbeds.
Other complaints involve tourists who, unaware of official prices or unable to understand Greek, paid higher amounts or were not issued receipts.
“These are complaints recorded almost every summer, and the question is whether they are being examined and what measures are taken,” Christou said.
Access and overcrowding concerns
The association also reported complaints about restricted access to beaches.
Regulations stipulate that sunbeds and umbrellas should not occupy more than 50 per cent of a beach, but some reports suggest this limit is being exceeded.
There were also allegations that bathers were prevented or discouraged from using their own umbrellas or placing towels freely.
Call for consumer representation
The association raised concerns over the composition of the Central Beaches Committee, noting that it includes representatives of municipalities and state services but not consumers or organised civic groups.
Christou called for a public dialogue and for consumers to be included in decision-making processes affecting beach access.
Rising cost of a day at the beach
According to Christou, a couple travelling from Nicosia to beaches in the Famagusta district could spend about €30 on fuel, €10 on sunbeds and an umbrella, plus additional costs for parking, water, coffee and other essentials.
In some areas, extra charges apply for services such as showers and lockers. In Paralimni-Deryneia municipality, showers cost 50 cents for 30 seconds, while lockers range from €3 to €12.
With costs mounting, a simple day trip for two can easily exceed €60, while expenses are significantly higher for families.
Concerns over future increases
Although several municipalities chose not to raise prices this year, Christou warned that the new caps could set a precedent.
“The most worrying issue is that we may see increases even at beaches where prices remained unchanged this year,” she said, cautioning that access to the sea risks becoming increasingly costly for thousands of families.
