A classic Lido in Rimini
Summer, sun, sea - and a familiar word that can be heard everywhere on Italy's coasts: "Lido".
Whether in Liguria, Tuscany or Sicily - if you want to visit a beach, it's only natural to say: "Andiamo al lido!" But what exactly does "lido" actually mean - and why is this term so closely associated with fun by the sea in Italy?
From the Latin "Litus" to the Italian "Lido"
The roots of the word go back a long way: the ancient Romans used the term "litus" to describe the coast or the shore. Over the centuries, this became the modern Italian word "lido" - a place where land and sea meet, classically known as the "beach".
Stabilimento balneare or simply "Lido"?
The official name for the paid beach resorts by the sea, where you can get sun loungers, parasols and other comforts, is "stabilimento balneare" - which in bureaucratic language means "bathing facility". No wonder Italians prefer to talk about the "lido" in everyday life.
The "Lido" is more than just a place by the sea. It stands for a piece of Italian Awareness of lifeFor hot summer days under the parasol, for a cool Spritz at the beach bar, for the clatter of flip-flops on the wooden planks. The furnishings range from simple and rustic to luxurious and sophisticated, depending on where you are holidaying.
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Famous Lidos in Italy
The fact that the term "Lido" became so popular is also linked to some of Italy's most famous seaside resorts. First and foremost the "Lido di Venezia", which attracted European aristocrats and wealthy travellers as early as the 19th century. One of the first seaside resorts in Europe was built here, combining luxury and enjoyment of the sea - and spreading the name "Lido" around the world.
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Places like Lido di Jesolo in Veneto or Lido di Camaiore in the Tuscany bear the term in their names and have established themselves as popular holiday destinations over the decades. The name "Lido" has become synonymous with holidays on the beach - not just for Italians, but for visitors from all over the world.
The future of Lidos - under EU scrutiny
As much as the lidos have become part of Italian summer culture, their future is on shaky ground. Behind the scenes, a dispute has been raging between Italy and the European Union for years: many of the beach sections are leased by private operators, often for generations - and without a public tender.
However, according to EU law, public tenders are required to guarantee fair and transparent competition. After Italy resisted the implementation of the regulation for years and demanded regional exemptions, the first public tenders are due to start in 2025/2026.
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For many operators who have put a lot of heart and soul and money into "their" Lido, this is a heavy blow. The Italian government is currently looking for solutions to give traditional family businesses certain advantages in the reallocation process.
In a horror version, the berths in the tender will in future be leased by international drinks and fast food companies, which will then decorate their beach section in a correspondingly colourful way - and nobody wants that.
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