One beach on the Italian island of Sardinia, Tuerredda beach, will only be accessible to visitors by booking through an app this summer. The beach has been limiting visitor numbers to 1,100 per day since 2020, but the new digital measure aims to further alleviate strain on local resources and infrastructure. Sardinia is known for its pristine beaches, but has been suffering due to disrespectful visitor behavior and overcrowding. Several other beaches on the island have also implemented restrictions to protect their natural beauty.
Spiaggia Rosa on the outlying Budelli island has been closed to visitors since the mid-1990s due to tourists stealing its pink sand. Regulations now prohibit walking on the beach and impose fines of up to €3,500 for those caught stealing sand. In the La Maddalena archipelago, beaches such as Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina have limited visitor numbers and require booking in advance through a local guide. Other beaches, such as Cala Brandinchi, Lu Impostu, and Cala Mariolu, also have visitor restrictions in place.
In Villasimius, beachgoers heading to Punta Molentis, Riu Trottu, and Portu Sa Ruxi are required to pay for access to the car park. Staff at car parks and beach access points check tickets to ensure compliance. Pelosa beach in Stintino is now only open to a maximum of 1,500 visitors per day, with a ticket costing €3.50 required for entry. Regulations at Pelosa beach also stipulate that visitors can only use beach towels if they have mats underneath them to trap less sand.
In Ogliastra on the east coast of Sardinia, beaches like Cala Birìala and Cala dei Gabbiani have time limits for beachgoers. Visitor numbers are capped at 300 per day, with restrictions on the duration of stay. Other popular tourist destinations in Italy, such as Venice and Portofino, have also implemented measures to combat overcrowding. Venice now requires visitors to book a visit in advance and pay a fee, while in Portofino, tourists risk fines for lingering too long or blocking streets.
Overall, Sardinia is taking steps to protect its most popular beaches and natural attractions from overtourism. The island’s spectacular coastline and pristine beaches are a major draw for tourists, but measures such as limited visitor numbers, booking systems, and fines for disrespecting regulations are being implemented to ensure the sustainability of these natural wonders. As one of Italy’s top destinations for a seaside holiday, Sardinia is setting an example for other popular tourist spots by prioritizing environmental protection and responsible tourism practices.
