Sardinia Beach Bans Sun Umbrellas for Most Visitors After Rescue Fears

A popular beach in southern Sardinia, Punta Molentis, is imposing an unusual summer rule: visitors aged 10 to 65 may not bring sun umbrellas or any other shade structures. Only families with children up to age 10 and people 65 and older may bring one umbrella, while everyone else is barred from setting up umbrellas, gazebos, tents or any similar cover. The local authorities say the restriction is a safety measure meant to prevent escape routes from being blocked in an emergency.

The new policy took effect on June 5 and will remain in force until the end of October. Access to the beach now costs 10 euros, about 11.50 dollars, although people with disabilities and their companions are exempt from the fee.

Officials said the decision was driven by a wildfire last year, when too many umbrellas on the beach blocked land evacuation routes and rescue teams had to move dozens of swimmers out by boat. A city spokesman for Villasimius told CNN that the rule was needed because of the fire and the difficulty of clearing the beach after so many umbrellas had been placed there. He also said the area does not allow paid private beach clubs, which led people to crowd umbrellas closely together, creating hazards and blocking the sea view.

The move triggered angry and mocking reactions online. One commenter wrote, “What a great day at the beach, then 20 hours in the emergency room because of sunburn,” adding, “I think they tried this regulation before, and it just burned their brains.” Another asked whether he would have to become a parent just to get sun protection. The article notes that Italian beach rules are already strict, with private beach clubs charging 100 to 500 euros a day for a chair and umbrella, and seasonal passes costing thousands of dollars. It also cites other local restrictions, including fines of up to 3,500 dollars for taking sand from some Sardinian beaches, a requirement in some places to use reed mats instead of towels, and 90-minute limits or advance online booking at certain beaches.