Visitors to a picturesque beach on the Italian island of Sardinia have been told they can only erect an umbrella if they have a child under 10 or they are aged over 65.<\/p>\n
Authorities at Punta Molentis beach, on Sardinia’s south-east coast, say wildfires that ravaged the beach, dunes and car park last year mean they have to impose a maximum of 150 visitors at a time.<\/p>\n
“It’s therefore necessary to limit human impact and ensure protection of this heritage for future generations,” the local town of Villasimius has decided.<\/p>\n
Sardinia’s idyllic beaches have long attracted big numbers, and Punta Molentis is not the only one trying to impose limits this summer.<\/p>\n
However, Villasimius Mayor Gianluca Dessi this month signed an official order, imposing a compulsory fee of \u20ac10 (\u00a38.60) per visitor arriving at the beach by land, while anyone arriving by boat needs to pay \u20ac5.<\/p>\n
Under the new rules, vehicle access to Punta Molentis is curbed at 70 cars per day until 31 October, and reservations to attend the beach will also be compulsory, according to the order posted on the Villasimius council website.<\/p>\n
Parasols or umbrellas are banned for everyone, except for families with children under 10 or for those over-65.<\/p>\n