With its turquoise-blue bays and pristine beaches, Sardinia is considered a true paradise – but in order to preserve this beauty in the future, the authorities are taking ever stricter measures. More and more beaches on the Italian Mediterranean island are now only accessible by prior reservation – sometimes for a fee and with strict visitor limits. This is actually nothing new, but has been in place for a few years now, and beaches at high risk are being added.

The good news is that most of the beaches on Sardinia’s coast can still be visited free of charge.

Whether such regulations are perceived as paternalistic or restrictive depends very much on the personal perspective – individual ideas of freedom, environmental awareness and tourist expectations play a central role here. Let’s take a differentiated look at both sides:

1. protection of a sensitive ecosystem
Many of the affected beaches – such as Cala Goloritzè or La Pelosa – are ecologically particularly sensitive. Without access controls, there is a risk of irreversible damage due to erosion, garbage, trails or loss of sand. The measures serve to preserve the natural heritage, not to arbitrarily restrict it.

2. tourism compatibility and quality
Limited visitor numbers often ensure better experiences: less crowds, cleaner beaches and more peace and quiet. Many people even perceive this as an improvement in service rather than a restriction.

3. fairness and predictability
Digital booking systems enable fairer access for all, instead of “first come, first served”. Smaller groups of visitors or families can also plan in this way instead of being excluded due to crowds.

4. international role models
Such regulations have long been in place worldwide – from national parks in the USA to beaches in Thailand and famous sights such as Machu Picchu. Sardinia is following a global trend towards controlling overtourism.

1. restriction of spontaneity
Many travelers love the unplanned: setting off in the morning, arriving somewhere, going for a swim. Digital reservations and time limits take away the freedom of this experience.

2. technical and social barriers
Not all people – especially the elderly or less technically savvy – can cope with apps or online bookings. People without a credit card or stable internet connection also find it difficult.

3. commercialization of nature
Entrance fees for a natural beach can be seen as a sign that nature is being privatized or monetized – which some perceive as an encroachment on a public good.

4. inequality of access
If only certain (managed or paid) groups are granted access, social inequality arises: those with money and planning scope are allowed to swim – those without are kept out.

Whether these measures are seen as paternalism or as a necessary protective measure depends very much on whether the freedom of the individual is given higher priority or the well-being of the collective and the environment. In an age of mass tourism, it is becoming increasingly necessary to seek balance rather than freedom without limits – even if this can be uncomfortable.

• Cala dei Gabbiani near Baunei
• Cala Biriala near Baunei
• Cala Goloritzè near Baunei
• Cala Sisine near Baunei
• Cala Mariolu near Baunei
• Santa Maria Navarrese near Baunei
• La Pelosa near Stintino
• Spaggio di Tuerredda near Bernadu

Spontaneous swimming trips are often no longer possible here. Many of these places must now be booked in advance via an app – usually at least 72 hours before the visit. Those who do not comply risk fines of up to 3,500 euros.

The popular, crescent-shaped Tuerredda beach in the south of Sardinia has been limited to 1,100 visitors per day since 2020. From July 2025, access will only be bookable via a mobile app – for a fee of 1 to 2 euros per day. The aim is to protect the fragile environment and better manage the number of visitors.

• Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli Island)
  The famous pink beach can only be viewed from a boat. Trespassing is prohibited and is punishable by fines of up to 3,500 euros.
• Cala Coticcio & Cala Brigantina (La Maddalena Archipelago)
  Only 60 visitors per day are allowed. Access is exclusively with a local guide and costs €3 per person.
• Cala Brandinchi & Lu Impostu (San Teodoro, north-east)
  Visitor limit of 1,447 or 3,352 guests daily between June 1 and September 30. Booking via the San Teodoro app or special websites required.
• Cala Mariolu
  Maximum 700 visitors per day from June to November.
• Cala Goloritzè
  Only 200-300 visitors are allowed per day, also only with prior online reservation.
• Villasimius (south-east Sardinia)
  Beaches such as Punta Molentis, Riu Trottu and Portu Sa Ruxi charge parking fees: €10 per car, plus €1 per person. Cyclists and pedestrians pay €3.
• La Pelosa (Stintino, west coast)
  Admission costs €3.50, maximum 1,500 people per day. In addition, beach towels must be placed on mats to minimize sand loss.
• Ogliastra (east coast)
  • Cala Biriala: max. 300 guests per day, boat tours may only stay for 90 minutes.
  • Cala dei Gabbiani: also limited to 300 people, stay limit: 2 hours.

With these measures, Sardinia is joining a larger trend. Like Venice, which charges day visitors an entrance fee, or Portofino, which bans standing in hotspots, the island is increasingly focusing on sustainable tourism. The aim is to reduce the impact on the environment and protect local biodiversity – especially during the busy high season.

If you want to visit Sardinia’s beaches in summer, you should get information early and book in good time. Without a prior digital reservation, access may be denied – a risk that can be avoided with simple planning.

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