Illustrative image of a beach in Sardinia
Photo: adamico/DepositPhotos
In Italian Sardinia, local authorities have banned people aged 10 to 65 from using umbrellas on one of the most popular beaches.
The new rule was explained as an attempt to avoid security problems and preserve local nature, they inform CNN and The Guardian.
Local authorities have established new rules for visiting one of the most popular beaches, Punta Molentis, on the southern coast of Sardinia.
From now until the end of October, visitors to recreation areas near the water will have to pay 10 euros per entrance. People with disabilities and those who accompany them will continue to be able to visit the beaches free of charge.
In addition, the access of cars to the beach was limited to 70 per day, and reservation of places for rest was made mandatory.
Punta Molentis can accommodate up to 150 visitors at a time, most of whom will not be able to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.
“It is forbidden to install umbrellas, gazebos, tents or other shading systems. One large umbrella is allowed exclusively for families with children under 10 years of age and people over 65 years of age”– they wrote on the website of the local authorities.
It says the restrictions were imposed because of last year’s wildfires, which devastated the beach, dunes and a parking lot, where some cars burned. Then the beachgoers had to flee from the flames on boats.
“It is necessary to limit human influence and ensure the protection of this heritage for future generations” – the local government decided.
Part of the problem was the overcrowding of the beach and too many umbrellas, which made it difficult to escape on land.
The new rules have caused criticism from vacationers. Some jokingly wondered if they would have to become parents in order to be able to protect themselves from the sun.
Some comments on the website of the municipality were more caustic.
“How wonderful, a beautiful day on the beach, and then 20 hours in the emergency room with burns. I think they (the authorities – ed.) have already tested the new rules and fried their heads.” – wrote one of the vacationers.
The rules of beach holidays in Italy are often surprising. For example. in Sardinia in recent years it is forbidden to take sand with you from the sea.
And in many coastal communities, you can use only straw mats instead of towels, so as not to accidentally take sand with you from the beach.
To avoid overcrowding, you are allowed to stay on the beach for no more than 90 minutes (exception – only with advance reservation and online payment).
We will remind, in January, the beach in the southeast of England was covered thousands of kilograms of French fries and onions from a lost container ship caught in a storm.
