Beach Etiquette Across the Mediterranean: A Guide to Local Customs

Joana Moser, a radio researcher at Monocle, offers a guide to Mediterranean beach etiquette, highlighting cultural differences in Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece, and France. In Portugal, families claim seasonal spots with parasols, a system understood by all. Italy's beaches are dominated by stabilimenti balneari (bathing establishments) with orderly rows of sunbeds, often booked by the same families for generations. In Spain, topless bathing is common along the Costa Brava and Balearics, and the real faux pas is reacting to it. Greek etiquette focuses on sharing food, as refusing a slice of watermelon is considered rude. In France, the Côte d'Azur beach empties at lunchtime, and eating a sandwich on your towel is a social mistake. Moser advises following local customs and not sitting on someone else's spot. The article was published on Monocle's website.