Italy's Popular Beaches Introduce Reservation Requirements and Entry Fees

Rules in Sardinia

Punta Molentis near Villasimius in southern Sardinia is also regulated: a maximum of 600 visitors per day are allowed on the beach, and a reservation along with an entry fee and parking fee is required. Sun umbrellas and beach tents are generally prohibited; exceptions apply to families with children up to ten years of age and to persons over 65.

Outside Sardinia, the municipalities pursue similar concepts. The Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante in Liguria allows no more than 450 people on the beach at the same time – entry is free but is monitored through controlled access points. The Due Sorelle cove near Sirolo in the Marche relies on a free reservation. On Lampedusa, the Spiaggia dei Conigli, also called "Rabbit Beach," limits free access to 550 visitors per time slot.

Concepts on the Adriatic, Liguria, and the Mediterranean

In the Gaiola marine protected area off Naples, a reservation is required for a maximum of 200 visitors per time slot. In Bibione on the upper Adriatic, beach operators are meanwhile testing an app designed to detect and manage unused or illegally occupied sun umbrellas. In addition, special sun loungers for solo travelers are being trialled there, some equipped with solar panels for charging smartphones.

The seaside resort of Jesolo in Veneto is taking a different approach: instead of restricting access, the traditional beach plots of 3 by 2 meters are gradually being replaced by larger areas of 4 by 4 meters. According to estimates, this conversion will result in around 20,000 fewer sun umbrellas being set up than before.

Background: Protection Against Overtourism

The background to the measures is the growing strain on popular coastal stretches caused by mass tourism, particularly in southern Italy. Many municipalities are trying to protect the beaches with reservations, fees, and limits while at the same time maintaining the quality of life for residents and visitors. Which combination is used varies greatly – from free controlled access to small daily fees to multi-stage booking and payment systems.

For travelers, this means that a spontaneous beach day at well-known coves in Italy is in many places no longer possible this summer. Online bookings, QR codes, and in some cases parking regulations require advance planning. Those who arrive without a reservation risk being turned away – even at beaches that were previously accessible without an entry fee.