A Sardinian beach has banned umbrellas for healthy adults in a controversial new policy that has prompted fury from holidaymakers who warn it could send sunbathers to hospital with serious burns and heatstroke.
Punta Molentis beach in Villasimius, Sardinia, has introduced a rule barring anyone between the ages of 10 and 65 from using a beach umbrella, according to the Daily Mail. Only families with children under 10 and visitors aged over 65 are permitted to use one umbrella each — and even they must pay a €10 entry fee for the privilege. The beach has also banned gazebos and tents, restricted access to between 8am and 8.30pm, and will begin a mandatory clearance of all visitors at 9pm.
The measures have been implemented by Villasimius council as part of efforts to protect the natural environment at Punta Molentis, which lies within a designated conservation area. The beach had been closed since last July after arsonists started a wildfire that ripped through the area, forced swimmers to flee and left more than 200 cars engulfed in flames. The council cited the fire and “exceptional marine weather events” as reasons for introducing stricter rules upon reopening, saying it was “necessary to limit the human impact and ensure the protection of this heritage for future generations.”
The public response has been far from sympathetic. One Facebook user wrote on the Villasimius council page: “Ah, Punta Molentis: the place where you pay 10 euros to enter… and in return they give you the unique experience of not being able to use an umbrella. A real luxury: sun at 40 degrees, no shade, but at least you can say you have contributed to environmental protection… with the sweat.” Another sardonically noted: “You basically have to choose: you reproduce, or you grow old. In the meantime, you get it right.”
More pointed still were warnings about health risks. “What a beautiful day at the beach and a 20 hour emergency room for burns to be treated,” wrote one user. Another added: “After you pay… Everyone to the emergency room for serious burns… Shame on you, disgusting.” Concerns about sunburn and heatstroke at a beach where temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees have been raised by multiple commenters, with dermatologists and health advocates long warning of the dangers of prolonged unprotected sun exposure.
The measures will remain in place until the end of October. Italy has been moving toward tighter beach management rules in several locations. Jesolo beach near Venice has separately reduced its number of lounger and umbrella spots by 20,000 in an effort to create more space between visitors — though that policy works in the opposite direction to Villasimius, creating fewer rather than no facilities.
