Summer is shaping up unusually for a famous beach in Sardinia. At Punta Molentis, in the municipality of Villasimius, local authorities have decided to ban the installation of parasols for most visitors. Only families accompanied by children under 10 and people over 65 may now use one. A measure that has already drawn strong criticism from vacationers.
A Novel Regulation to Protect a Fragile Site
Located on the southeast coast of Sardinia, Punta Molentis beach has just reopened after several months of closure. The site was severely hit in July last year by an arson fire that ravaged part of the area. During that episode, bathers had to flee hastily while more than 200 vehicles were trapped by the flames.
Following this incident and what the municipality describes as “exceptional marine events”, the town of Villasimius has chosen to substantially tighten the beach access rules. Visitors must now pay a ten-euro entry fee. The installation of tents and canopies is also prohibited.
The most discussed measure, however, concerns parasols. From now on, only visitors over 65 and families with young children under 10 may set up a parasol on the beach. Authorities say these restrictions are aimed at preserving an extremely sensitive environment, as Punta Molentis is located in a protected area.
In a statement posted on its website, the municipality justifies its decision: “For this reason, it is necessary to limit human impact and to ensure the protection of this heritage for future generations”, said the Villasimius city council.
The new rules also regulate visiting hours. Access is permitted from 8:00 to 20:30. From 9:00 PM, a complete evacuation of the beach becomes mandatory. These measures are expected to remain in effect until the end of October.
Online commenters raise health concerns
The ban on parasols for the majority of visitors did not take long to trigger a wave of reactions on social networks. Several internet users worry about the potential consequences of this measure during peak summer, when temperatures can exceed 40°C.
On the municipality’s Facebook page, one user quips: “Ah, Punta Molentis: the place where you pay 10 euros to enter… and in exchange, you get the unique experience of not being able to use a parasol.” The same commenter continues: “A true luxury: 40-degree sun, no shade, but at least you can say you contributed to protecting the environment… with your sweat.”
Other comments are even harsher. A resident writes: “What a beautiful day at the beach and an 8 p.m. emergency to treat burns.” Another denounces: “After having paid… Everyone to the ER for serious burns… Shame on you.”
The criticisms mainly focus on the risks of heat stroke and skin cancer linked to prolonged sun exposure without protection. Despite this opposition, authorities maintain their position and consider these restrictions necessary to preserve the site’s ecological balance.
This initiative comes as other Italian seaside towns also seek to better regulate the crowds at their beaches. In Jesolo, near Venice, the number of sun loungers and parasol spots has thus been reduced by 20,000 in order to create more space between visitors.
