Irish holidaymakers warned as popular beach bans umbrellas for anyone aged 10 to 65
A popular beach in Italy has sparked controversy after introducing a new rule banning umbrellas for anyone aged between 10 and 65.
Irish holidaymakers planning trips to Sardinia this summer may want to check the local rules before heading to the beach.
One of the most popular beaches on the Italian island - Punta Molentis, near the resort town of Villasimius - has banned umbrellas for anyone aged between 10 and 65.
The unusual rule is part of a new restrictions introduced by local authorities to help protect the beach following a devastating wildfire last summer.
Anyone visiting the public beach must also pay a €10 entry fee, while those who are allowed to bring an umbrella are restricted to just one per family.
The measures have sparked disbelief among both locals and visitors. One person wrote on social media: "To put up an umbrella I have to rent a child??"
Another raged: "Ah, Punta Molentis: the place where you pay 10 euros to enter... and in return they give you the unique experience of not being able to use an umbrella. A real luxury: sun at 40 degrees, no shade, but at least you can say you have contributed to environmental protection... with the sweat. And then the treat: One umbrella allowed only for families with children or over 65. You basically have to choose: you reproduce, or you grow old."
Another added: "So to come to the beach with an umbrella I either bring my grandad or need to have a child between now and tomorrow?"
Punta Molentis only recently reopened after being closed since July last year, when a major wildfire wept through the area.
Villasimius council said the blaze, along with what it described as "exceptional marine weather events", highlighted the need for stricter measures to preserve the protected beauty spot.
A notice on its website reads: "For this reason it's necessary to limit the [human] impact and ensure the protection of this heritage for future generations."
As well as limiting umbrellas, visitors are also not allowed to set up gazebos, tents or other temporary shade structures. The rules are expected to remain in place until the end of October.
Punta Molentis isn't the only Italian beach introducing changes. At Jesolo, near Venice, authorities have removed around 20,000 sun lounger and umbrella spaces in a bid to reduce overcrowding and create more room between visitors.
The move comes as the cost of renting beach equipment at private clubs across Italy continues to rise, leading to more holidaymakers heading to public beaches instead.
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