SerpApi.Org
Italy is trying to manage overtourism with various measures, and crowded beaches are a key concern. Beaches in Sardinia have introduced a booking system to limit the number of visitors each day, and some of the most popular sites are fully booked through September. This, along with the cost of sunbeds and parking, has changed the landscape of a beach vacation in Italy.
Visitors in Sardinia can't show up at the beach without a plan. You need to book in advance, not only to pay for entry but also to reserve a slot, which fills up quickly. Cala Goloritzé beach has a cap of 250 people at a time between March and November, while Su Sirboni beach allows 786 people a day, and Cala Brandinchi restricts the number to 1,447. For beaches that may not have reservations, you may need to arrive early to secure a spot before the beach reaches maximum capacity.
Travelers may run out of luck late in the season. According to The Independent, the slots for La Pelosa beach, which has 1,500 spots a day, are sold out until September 15.
Additionally, some beaches have time restrictions, such as Cala dei Gabbiani, which allows stays for only up to 90 minutes. The price for a slot ranges from €2 to €7 ($2.29 to $8), but children can access the beach for free. You can book through the Heart of Sardinia website or local municipality sites, and you should keep the QR code accessible on your phone.
About 33% of the Italian coastline is leased to private companies that operate beach clubs and offer beach amenities and food. These operators charge hundreds of euros for loungers and umbrellas, and the costs are becoming prohibitive for locals. For a multi-day family vacation, the costs for just beach spots can add up to thousands of euros.
Moreover, there is a new debate happening on the beaches: the governor of Puglia, Antonio Decare, recently stated that private beaches in the region should allow picnics. He called for visitors to be allowed to bring food and drink from home because "The sea is a common commodity, it cannot become a luxury." Operators, however, argue that changing the rule will cause littering and damage the image of the beaches. Beaches allow visitors to bring their own food, but beach clubs don't allow revelers to enter with outside food.
There are other things to remember when you're planning a beach vacation in Italy.
Beach Rules to Know
Earlier this summer, authorities banned beach umbrellas and parasols from Sardinia's popular beaches. Only those with visitors under 10 or over 65 years old are allowed to bring umbrellas. This measure was introduced after beachgoers had to be evacuated by boats in case of a fire in the area. Umbrellas and other shade structures made it impossible for emergency services to evacuate people by land.
Additionally, you can't take sand away from the beaches of Sardinia; it can cost you up to $3,500 in fines. The authorities have also introduced fines for swimmers who don't use a straw mat under their towels-they are trying to prevent people from accidentally taking sand home from the beaches. Smoking is also not allowed on beaches, while many cities will fine you for walking around in your swimwear away from the coast.
