Sardinian beach bans umbrellas for people aged 10 to 65

By Angela Giuffrida in Rome • June 10, 2026 • World news

Incredulous Italians ask if they should bring grandparents to beach to stay safe, after unpopular move in Villasimìus

Umbrellas have been banned on a beach in Sardinia for anyone between the ages of 10 and 65 in the latest flashpoint in Italy’s long-running beach disputes. The measure was among several imposed by local authorities at Punta Molentis beach in Villasimìus, on Sardinia’s south-east coast, as part of an initiative to protect its pristine environment. On top of having to pay €10 to set foot on the public beach, only families with children under 10 are permitted to pitch an umbrella – just one, at that – and those over 65. The measure has not gone down well with beachgoers, generating a mix of incredulity and bemusement online, as well as raising concerns about the risks of skin cancer or heatstroke. “To put up an umbrella I have to rent a child??” asked a commenter beneath a post announcing the guidelines on the Facebook page of Villasimìus’s council. Another joked: “So to come to the beach with an umbrella I either bring my grandad or need to have a child between now and tomorrow?” Some called for a boycott of Punta Molentis, while others said they would simply go to a beach where they could shield themselves safely from the sun. Punta Molentis is reopening after being closed since last July after a devastating wildfire started by arsonists. Villasimìus council said the fire and “exceptional marine weather events” had moved it to impose stricter rules in order to preserve the natural beauty of Punta Molentis, which is located within a designated conservation area. “For this reason it’s necessary to limit the [human] impact and ensure the protection of this heritage for future generations,” the council said in a notice on its website. People are also banned from putting up gazebos, tents or other forms of shade providers. The rules will remain in place until the end of October. Meanwhile, on Jesolo beach near Venice, authorities have reduced the number of lounger and umbrella spots by 20,000 in an attempt to create more space between visitors. Italy’s public beaches often get crowded, especially owing to the rising cost of renting loungers at private beach clubs. According to recent figures from Italy’s largest consumer watchdog, Altroconsumo, the average cost of renting two loungers and an umbrella at a private concession has increased by 24% within the past five years, and 6% in the past year alone. As a result, many Italians are snubbing beach clubs while protests calling for more free beaches have intensified in recent years.

Source: The Guardian