An unusual restriction has been introduced at one of the most famous beaches in Sardinia: beach umbrellas can now only be used by families with small children and elderly people. Authorities explain the decision as a concern for nature conservation following a devastating forest fire.
New rules for vacationers have come into effect at Punta Molentis beach, located in the southeastern part of Sardinia in the Villasimius area. Now, most tourists will not be able to bring their own beach umbrellas.
Visitors to the picturesque beach still need to pay an entrance fee of 10 euros. However, this season, the authorities have introduced an additional restriction that has sparked widespread public outcry.
According to the new rules, only families with children under the age of 10 are allowed to use an umbrella — and only one umbrella is permitted per family. An exception has also been made for people over 65. All other visitors are prohibited from bringing umbrellas to the beach.
The new measure has triggered a wave of comments on social media.
"Do I now need to rent a child to put up an umbrella?" one user ironically wrote under a post by the municipality of Villasimius.
Another commentator joked, "So to come to the beach with an umbrella, I either need to urgently find a grandparent or manage to have a child by tomorrow."
Local authorities explain that the decision is related to the need to protect the unique natural area. Last year, a forest fire occurred in the beach area, which severely damaged the vegetation and the coastal ecosystem.
In addition to the umbrella ban, there are restrictions on the use of tents, canopies, and other structures that create shade. According to the administration, such measures will help accelerate the recovery of the natural environment and reduce the burden on vulnerable coastal areas.
The restrictions will be in effect until the end of October — the conclusion of the tourist season and the period of highest temperatures.
The unusual rule has already sparked debates among tourists, but the authorities in Villasimius insist that preserving nature must remain a priority. In the coming months, it will become clear whether the ban will help restore the ecosystem of one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.
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