Fighting mass tourism: beach umbrellas banned for people aged 10 to 65

© Andy Goldsby via Unsplash

In the fight against mass tourism and to protect the ecosystem, a coastal town on the Italian island of Sardinia has enacted a unique measure: on certain beaches, beach umbrellas are banned for people between the ages of 10 and 65.

Only families with children under 10 or people over 65 are allowed to set up one beach umbrella per family on the beaches of Villasimius, a coastal town in southeastern Sardinia. Gianluca Dessì, the town’s mayor, issued a municipal decree to that effect in early June.

The popular beach at Punta Molentis, located in a protected area, now imposes an access limit of 150 people. Anyone wishing to visit the beach must reserve a spot 72 hours in advance, and admission now costs 10 euros per person. These measures are in effect from June 6 through October 31.

The mayor made the decision to limit human impact on the area and to protect the heritage so that future generations can also enjoy it. Winter storms have severely damaged the beach’s ecosystem. Additionally, according to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the beach was the target of arson in the summer of 2025, 

According to the newspaper, Villasimius is not the only place in Italy taking measures to protect vulnerable beaches from mass tourism. For example, in Jesolo, near Venice, 20,000 spots for umbrellas and lounge chairs are being eliminated to reduce visitor density.

Illustration picture: © Andy Goldsby via Unsplash