Listening to the sound of the waves while soaking up the sun on your towel is your favorite vacation activity? Be aware that it is now mandatory to reserve certain beaches in Europe in order to hope to access them. Indeed, faced with a constantly growing number of tourists, some highly popular beaches have had to implement visitor quotas and reservation systems to allow everyone to fully enjoy the place.
This is notably the case in Italy, where about twenty beaches now limit the number of people allowed to visit. Some are already showing as full for the summer season. For vacationers who like to follow their impulses, especially during their holidays, this new setup can therefore feel somewhat disconcerting.
Moreover, some beaches go a step further by charging for access via reservation. “This is the first time I’m visiting Italy, and honestly, I hadn’t even thought about the possibility that you might have to pay to access the beach”, a holidaymaker quoted by the Daily Mail said. Meanwhile, another tourist lamented: “it’s heartbreaking to have to book a spot online just to stand on a beach”. Here are six European beaches where you will need to reserve in advance to enjoy their idyllic settings.
Cala Goloritzé Beach in Italy
It is a cove in the Gulf of Orosei, located at the foot of the Supramonte di Baunei, on the eastern coast of Sardinia. This beach of white pebbles, 150 meters long and 30 meters wide, is bathed in turquoise water renowned for its high transparency. It also offers a remarkable rocky backdrop, with sandstone cliffs, karst pinnacles rising from the sea, and a stone arch shaped by erosion. Its attendance is limited to 250 people. Reservations open three days in advance and cost 7 €. Children aged 5 and under, as well as local residents, can reserve for free.
Praia das Catedrais Beach in Spain
It is located in Galicia, at the far northwest of Spain, at the seaside resort of Aguas Santas. Its arches and monumental caves give it a unique landscape, earning it the nickname “Cathedrals Beach.” Indeed, its cliffs form vast natural arches reminiscent of medieval cathedrals. During the months of July, August and September, it is necessary to reserve entry to be able to access it. This is also the case during Holy Week, which typically takes place between March and April. Access remains free, however.
Tuerredda Beach in Italy
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. It sits in the heart of a cove, between Capo Malfatano and Capo Spartivento, in the territory of Teulada, at the island’s southwestern tip. Renowned for its turquoise waters and fine sand, it is accessible only by reservation from June 2 to October 11. Attendance is limited to 1,100 visitors and tickets cost 3 € per person. Visitors then receive a QR code that they must present to gain access to the beach.
The Sugiton Calanque in France
It’s a true little paradise! It sits within the Calanques massif, in the south of the Marseille metropolitan area, near the Luminy university site. “The Sugiton Calanque and the Pierres Tombées are suffering from pronounced erosion due to overcrowding. To protect the sites, the National Park limits the number of visitors by making access subject to a mandatory and free reservation during the peak season,” one reads on the reservation site, which is open on June 20 and 21, every day from June 27 to August 30, on September 5 and 6, and on September 12 and 13. The reservation is free.
The Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu Beaches in Italy
The two stunning Sardinian bays of Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu both require reservations from June 1 to September 30. Visitors can book their access one or two days in advance only, depending on the period, at a price of 2 € per person. They are renowned for their exceptional natural beauty and crystal-clear waters.
The Sandwich Bay in the United Kingdom
Sandwich Bay is a long sea inlet between Ramsgate and Deal, on the east coast of Kent, England. The coastal area consists of sandy flats with their salt marshes and coastal sand dunes. Public access to the site is blocked by a barrier; there is no mandatory booking system for visitors, but entry is paid. Visitors can purchase seasonal memberships from April 2026 to March 2027 or pay on-site. Prices range from £5 to £16, depending on the vehicle parked.
