Sardinia bans parasols for visitors aged 10 to 65 at Punta Molentis beach

The ban applies to "Sonnenschirme, Pavillons, Zelte und andere Beschattungsvorrichtungen". Anyone aged between 10 and 65 is not allowed to bring any of these devices. The rules apply until 31 October, daily from 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.; the beach may only be entered within this time window.

In addition, an entry fee has been introduced: "Alle Besucherinnen und Besucher müssen 10 Euro bezahlen, um den Strand überhaupt nutzen zu dürfen." This means ten euros entry per person is due. According to Italian media reports, the parasol ban is to be checked by police several times a day.

Mayor Dessì's justification

The justification comes from Mayor Gianluca Dessì, who defends the ordinance with extraordinary measures to protect the site, the protected habitats, and the safety of users. In an interview with "La Repubblica", Dessì explained that it was not "willkürliche Schikane für die Badegäste"; the underlying idea is rather the protection of nature.

According to a municipal communication, the background is the habitat along the coastal strip. "Aus Umweltschutzgründen sollen die Auswirkungen von Badegästen auf den Strand verringert werden", the ordinance states. The authority adds that the measure is intended to reduce the number of visitors, not to fill the municipal coffers.

The region was under massive strain last year: at the end of July, a devastating forest fire had affected the area, and exceptional weather events had also caused further damage. Punta Molentis is known for its turquoise water, gentle hills, and a picturesque coastline and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

Reactions on social media

The new rules triggered fierce controversy on social networks immediately after they came into force. As quoted by "La Repubblica", one user asked: "Und was sollen diejenigen tun, die keine Kinder haben? Sich in der Sonne braten zu lassen?" Another voice warned: "Man riskiert einen Sonnenstich!" This articulates discontent with a regulation that denies many beachgoers their accustomed sun protection.

Regardless of the controversy, the municipality emphasises other, longer-standing bans at the beach: "bleibt es weiterhin strengstens verboten, die Dünengebiete zu betreten oder sich dort aufzuhalten, die Vegetation zu beschädigen, Sand zu entnehmen oder Abfälle am Strand und auf den Zugangswegen zurückzulassen". These requirements are part of the protection of the sensitive coastal landscape.

Reporting on the new rules is based primarily on the Italian newspapers "La Repubblica" and "La Nuova". Both report in agreement that the ordinance from the municipality of Villasimius is to remain in place throughout the summer and is enforced with police checks. This makes Punta Molentis beach one of the most strictly regulated beaches in Sardinia this season.

Outlook for the summer season

Overall, a conflict is emerging between the short-term need to protect nature and the expectations of tourists who seek shade on hot summer days. Whether the measure will be extended or adjusted beyond 31 October is not currently known.

This summer's experiences in Villasimius could also have a signalling effect for other Mediterranean regions that suffer similarly from heat stress and overtourism. Punta Molentis thus stands as an example of the attempt to reconcile nature and visitor flows through ordinances.