In Italy, a new conflict has begun within the framework of long-standing disputes. On one of the beaches in Sardinia, they banned the use of umbrellas for anyone between the ages of 10 and 65. This measure is among several rules introduced by local authorities at Punta Molentis beach near the town of Villasimius on the southeast coast of Sardinia as part of an initiative to protect its pristine environment, the portal reports.
Visitors have to pay 10 euros to enter this public beach. Only families with children under 10 years of age and people over 65 years of age can use the parasol. This step was not well received by vacationers. It caused a mixture of disbelief and astonishment on the Internet, while at the same time fueling concerns about the risk of skin cancer or heatstroke. “To build a parasol, do I have to borrow a child?” asked one of the commenters under the post with the new rules on the Facebook page of the municipality of Villasimìus.
“So if I want to go to the beach with an umbrella, do I have to bring either grandpa or make a baby by tomorrow?” joked another. Some people called for a boycott of Punta Molentis beach, while others said they would simply go to another beach where they could safely hide from the sun. Punta Molentis beach is reopening after being closed since last July due to a devastating forest fire started by arsonists.
The municipality of Villasimìus said that the fire and exceptional marine weather phenomena forced it to introduce stricter rules to preserve the natural beauty of Punta Molentis beach, which is located in a protected landscape area. “For this reason, it is essential to limit human influence and ensure the protection of this heritage for future generations,” the city said in an announcement on its website. People are also prohibited from building gazebos, tents or other forms of shelters on the beach. These rules will remain in effect until the end of October.
Meanwhile, at Jesolo beach near Venice, authorities have reduced the number of sunbeds and umbrellas by 20,000 in an effort to create more space between visitors. Italy’s public beaches are often overcrowded, mainly due to the rising prices of renting sunbeds in private beach clubs.
According to the latest figures from Italy’s largest consumer organisation, Altroconsumo, the average price for renting two sunbeds and a parasol on a private beach has increased by 24% over the past five years and by 6% in the last year alone. As a result, many Italians ignore beach clubs, and in recent years protests have grown, demanding more freely accessible and free beaches.
