Sardinia beach bans umbrellas for ages 10-65

Local authorities in Sardinia have introduced a controversial new rule at one of the island's most popular beaches, banning umbrellas for visitors between the ages of 10 and 65. The measure at Punta Molentis beach, near the resort town of Villasimius, took effect this week and will remain in place until late October.

Officials said the ban, which also prohibits gazebos, tents, and other temporary shade structures, is a direct response to a major wildfire that swept through the area last July. That fire forced dozens of beachgoers to be evacuated by boat, a process officials said was severely hampered by overcrowding and the dense proliferation of personal umbrellas, which blocked land access. A municipal spokesperson stated the rule was essential to avoid a repeat of that dangerous scenario and to protect the beach, which lies within a conservation area.

Under the new ordinance, only families with children under the age of 10 and individuals aged 65 or older are permitted to bring a single umbrella. All other visitors are prohibited from erecting any shade equipment. Additionally, access to the public beach now carries an entry fee of 10 euros, though individuals with...