Published on
14/06/2026 - 9:32 GMT+2
The order issued by the mayor of Villasimius, Gianluca Dessì, banning adults from putting up beach umbrellas and allowing shade only for children and over-65s, is stirring controversy.
To enjoy the paradise of Punta Molentis, one of the most renowned gems of Sardinia, bathers will also have to fork out an entrance fee of 10 euros per person. The strict measure, in force from 6 June to 31 October 2026, stems from the need to protect the coastline's fragile ecosystem, which was hit dramatically by a devastating fire on 27 July 2025 that endangered tourists and destroyed vegetation and cars.
The core of the measure is an extremely tight cap on visitor numbers, designed to limit the impact both by land and by sea. “Access to the area by land is limited to a maximum of 70 vehicles a day and in any case to no more than 150 people at the same time [...], with a ban on setting up umbrellas or any other shading devices; one umbrella is allowed for family groups with children up to the age of 10 and elderly people aged 65 and over,” reads the mayor's order of 5 June.
