Sardinia Beaches Require Advance Booking Amid Rising Summer Demand
This summer, visitors to Sardinia's popular beaches face a new challenge: securing an entry ticket well in advance. At La Pelosa beach, one of Italy's most sought-after spots, the daily visitor limit of 1,500 between May 15 and October 15 means tickets, costing 3.5 euros each, must be booked ahead, with early reservations already sold out through September 15. Visitors receive a QR code for entry, and children under 12 enter free. This system, in place for several years at La Pelosa and now extended to other beaches, reflects growing tourist numbers in Italy, which rose by 4.2% in arrivals and 7.5% in overnight stays in early 2026.
Other Sardinian beaches have similar restrictions. Cala Goloritzé limits access to 250 visitors daily, with a 7-euro ticket for adults and a challenging 3.5-kilometer hike to reach the shore. At Tuaredda beach, entry is capped at 1,100 visitors per day with a 3-euro ticket, requiring advance booking from June 2 to October 15. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu beaches near San Teodoro also operate reservation systems from June 1 to September 30, charging 2 euros per visitor over age 12. Su Sirboni beach limits daily visitors to 786 between July 15 and September 15, with a 3-euro fee.
Rules vary by beach, including requirements to place mats under towels to reduce sand removal, bans on removing sand or shells, and restrictions on smoking and littering. Parking is often limited and costly, separate from entry fees. In June, the municipality of Villasimius briefly banned most visitors from bringing umbrellas to Punta Molentis beach, later revising rules to allow one umbrella per group under staff supervision. These measures follow a 2025 wildfire and winter storms that reduced available beach areas.
The strict controls aim to protect fragile coastal environments amid rising tourism. Italy is not alone; similar reservation systems operate in Spain's Praia das Catedrais and France's Calanques National Park. Tourists are advised to check official websites for booking requirements and carry QR code confirmations, as spontaneous visits are often impossible during peak season. The rising costs of beach amenities, including a 6% average increase in umbrella and sunbed rentals, have sparked debate over public access and commercialization of coastal areas.
