This Mediterranean island paradise is taking steps to protect its most popular beaches. Here are the access conditions and prices for enjoying a swim this summer.
This year again, the Mediterranean is preparing to attract millions of tourists from all over the world and in particular many Europeans who are always charmed by its sun, its turquoise waters and its fine sandy beaches. Among the most popular destinations, Sardinia has stood out for several years. The small Italian island offers breathtaking landscapes and beautiful preserved coves. Unfortunately, this popularity has a price: overtourism threatens the fragile balance of these unique ecosystems and the increasing number of visitors in recent years is starting to be felt on the island, saturated with tourists in the summer.
Faced with the growing influx of visitors, the Sardinian authorities have decided to take measures to protect their most emblematic beaches. Since 2021, access to certain sites has been limited to the number of people per day, and rates have been introduced for parking and entry to the beach. 2024 will be no exception since access to certain beaches will still be precisely regulated this summer.
Among the gems affected by these rules is the superb Punta Molentis beach, located in the Villasimius region, in the southeast of the island. Known for its translucent water with bluish reflections and its fine sand, this beach offers a spectacle worthy of the most beautiful lagoons of the South Seas. Snorkeling enthusiasts will find what they are looking for here, since Punta Molentis is located in the heart of a protected marine area. Many tourists therefore want to observe fish and marine fauna.
But to preserve this little paradise, we will now have to organize ourselves and put our hands in our wallets! Once again this summer, Punta Molentis will only be able to accommodate 600 people per day, including 200 parking spaces. Prices vary depending on the means of transport: 10 euros for a car, 5 euros for a motorcycle and 15 euros for a camper van. Added to this is an entrance ticket of between 1 and 3 euros per person depending on the period. Visitors arriving on the island by boat may also have limited time on site.
To reserve your place, it is best to register on the Pass Villasimius website and follow an online procedure. Reservations are possible until midnight the day before the desired date, but be careful: after this time, it will no longer be possible to cancel or modify your reservation. As places are limited, it is better to book in advance because arriving unexpectedly will often mean turning around and canceling your swim. At the entrance, guards control attendance and can prohibit access once the gauge has been reached.
Other emblematic Sardinian beaches are affected by these measures, such as La Pelosa in the north (500 visitors at a time) or those of San Teodoro (capacity set at just over 4,700 people divided between the two most popular beaches). Here too, it is better to book your ticket online, at the price of two euros.