Tourists aged 10 to 65 banned from using umbrellas at popular Italian beach

A popular beach in Sardinia has introduced unusual restrictions on the use of umbrellas, allowing them only for families with young children and older visitors as part of new environmental protection rules. The measures apply to Punta Molentis beach, located in the municipality of Villasimius on the island’s south-eastern coast.

Under the regulations, only families with children under the age of 10 and people aged 65 and over are permitted to use a single umbrella. Visitors between the ages of 10 and 65 are not allowed to set up umbrellas on the beach. The restrictions, introduced by local authorities, aim at protecting the coastal environment and managing visitor impact during the busy summer season.

Environmental concerns behind the new restrictions

Local authorities in Villasimius have said the measures were introduced following environmental pressures on the area, which is part of a protected coastal zone. The beach has been affected by overcrowding in recent years, as well as damage linked to extreme weather events and a wildfire in 2025.

The fire significantly affected parts of the surrounding landscape, prompting renewed efforts to control human activity in the area and reduce environmental stress on the coastline. In addition to the umbrella restrictions, visitors are required to follow further rules designed to limit environmental impact, including controlled access measures and the protection of dunes and natural areas.

Entry fees and visitor controls

Alongside the umbrella policy, access to Punta Molentis is subject to a €10 entry fee per person. The system is intended to help regulate visitor numbers and support maintenance of the beach environment.

Authorities have also introduced limits on visitor capacity to prevent overcrowding during peak periods. The beach operates under a controlled entry system, and visitors may be required to book in advance depending on demand.

Other restrictions include bans on various forms of shade structures, such as tents and gazebos, which are not permitted on the beach.

Scope of the umbrella rule

Under the regulations, umbrellas are not banned outright but are restricted based on the age of beachgoers within family groups.

Families with children under 10 years old are allowed to bring one umbrella for use. Similarly, visitors aged 65 and above are also permitted to use umbrellas. However, those aged between 10 and 65 are excluded from using them, a rule that has drawn attention due to its unusual age-based structure.

The local council has stated that the intention is to reduce the overall number of large shade structures on the beach, which can contribute to congestion and environmental strain in sensitive areas.

Public reaction and criticism

The rules have prompted debate among visitors and social media users, with some expressing confusion over the age-based restrictions and concerns about sun exposure in high summer temperatures.

Others have questioned how the policy will be enforced in practice, particularly during peak tourist season when beaches in Sardinia are heavily visited by both domestic and international travellers.

Despite criticism, local authorities have maintained that the restrictions are necessary to preserve the natural environment and ensure long-term sustainability of one of the island’s most popular coastal areas.

Beach rules are used in other parts of Sardinia 

The measures at Punta Molentis are not isolated, as several beaches across Sardinia have introduced rules in recent years aimed at managing tourism pressure.

These include visitor caps, reservation systems, environmental levies and restrictions on removing natural materials such as sand or shells. Some areas have also introduced rules governing beach equipment, including limitations on umbrellas, towels and other items in order to reduce environmental impact.

Authorities say such measures are increasingly necessary to balance tourism demand with conservation efforts, particularly in high-traffic coastal areas.

Balancing tourism and conservation

Sardinia remains one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, attracting large numbers of visitors each year to its beaches and coastal towns. However, rising visitor numbers have placed pressure on local ecosystems, prompting authorities to introduce stricter management policies.

At Punta Molentis, officials say the aim is to preserve the beach’s natural character while still allowing controlled public access during the summer seasons to come.