Umbrellas have been banned on a popular Sardinian beach for those aged between 10 and 65 as the authorities implement new strict rules ahead of the summer season.
The council of Villasimìus, which sits on Sardinia’s southwest tip, has introduced this measure on Punta Molentis beach in an effort to protect the natural environment.
The new rule states that one beach umbrella is allowed to be brought per family unit that has children up to 10 years old.
One umbrella per person is also allowed on the beach, so long as that person is aged 65 years and older.
The council writes in the new ordinance that it is “prohibited to set up beach umbrellas or any other form of shade” unless one of your group members is within the age bracket.
Other types of shade such as gazebos and tents have also been banned, although any “installations” that are provided by authorities on beaches are allowed.
Authorities have also introduced access limits to the beach. Just 70 vehicles are allowed to park per day, and no more than 150 people are permitted on the dunes at the same time.
Access to the beach needs to reserved online ahead of arrival, costing €10 (£8.60) per person. Access will be suspended upon reaching maximum capacity, and parking tickets must also be displayed
Those who arrive at the beach by boat are allowed to stay for one hour only on the dunes, and disembarking with rucksacks or cool bags will not be allowed.
Only 100 people are allowed to visit the beach by boat at any one time, costing €5 (£4.30) each.
The beach also now has opening hours, from 8am to 9pm. All regulations will be in place until 31 October unless they are extended.
Fires broke out across a hundred hectares of vegetation in July 2025, which threatened Punta Molentis and caused those on the coast to be evacuated via motorboat and dingy.
While no casualties were reported, several cars in the car park were completely burned.
Last year’s fires and other weather events have reduced the capacity of sand dunes and put habitats at risk, so the council said it is “necessary” to limit human impact on the beach.
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