Milan (AFP)

Deckchairs and parasols on a lawn in the middle of skyscrapers: Milan now has its "beach", without sand or swimming pool, however, to forget about the coronavirus after having been one of the first epicenters.

In the modern Porta Nuova district, surrounded by the towers of UniCredit, HSBC or BNP Paribas, city dwellers savor a holiday air, while respecting social distancing measures.

Being in the middle of skyscrapers "is strange, it's not like being at sea, but it's very nifty," added the young woman, originally from Sestri Levante, on the Ligurian coast. "It's a great way to get away from the city routine."

Some play naval battle, others read or rest. Swimwear is a must.

It is a place "welcoming, friendly, unexpected in fact, a great initiative," says Rosalia Scarcella, a 45-year-old Milanese nurse who hopes "to be able to sunbathe a little before going to the sea".

After working at the hospital, in a difficult context when the pandemic killed more than 34,000 people in Italy, "I needed to take a break, go out a bit," she explains.

Lido Bam ("Bam Beach"), inaugurated on Sunday, was born on the idea of ​​the Riccardo Catella Foundation. For the moment, entry is free, but you will have to pay 4 to 8 euros from next week to be able to take advantage of one of the 80 umbrellas.

"Milan at the moment is dismal. Here I find joy, freedom, serenity," smiles Mauro Manara Rossino, a 22-year-old student.

"The sea is missing, but we're almost there, with imagination! It's nice, I feel a little like in Manhattan," he says, looking at the buildings surrounding it.

Many nevertheless regret the absence of a water point to cool off, fountain or jets.

For Rosalia Scarcella, the Lido Bam will not be a substitute for vacations, because "vacations are not touched! But for those who will not be able to leave, it is a nice alternative", she believes.

34 million Italians out of some 60 million will go on vacation at least a few days this summer, 13% less than last year; among them 93% have chosen to stay on the peninsula, the highest percentage for at least ten years, according to a Coldiretti / Ixe 'survey.

A quarter even opted for their own region, despite the lifting of containment measures.

© 2020 AFP