A group of Italian nuns in Spotorno, Liguria, challenges local authorities’ plans to put their beach concession up for public bidding, which would take away their management of a beachfront club. The dispute centers on a 50-metre stretch of sand at Bagni Gino Garrone, run by nuns from the Suore di Carità di Santa Maria order.
Outlets describe the fight as part of a broader, long-running debate in Italy over how privately run coastal concessions are awarded and whether they comply with EU and regional rules. Authorities say the move is intended to meet requirements related to EU beach concession law and regional quotas for free public beach space, including limits on private control.
The nuns argue they should keep the concession because the revenue funds charitable activities. Local coverage characterizes the dispute using dramatic language, but the core points reported across sources are the impending bidding process and the nuns’ opposition to losing the concession they currently operate.
