- Italian beaches have introduced booking systems and visitor caps to combat overcrowding and protect natural environments.
- This initiative comes as Italy experiences significant tourism growth, with a 4.2 per cent increase in arrivals and 7.5 per cent in overnight stays in the first quarter of 2026.
- Popular Sardinian beaches, such as La Pelosa, are now fully booked until mid-September, limiting access to 1,500 visitors daily for a fee.
- Other coves in Sardinia, including the Unesco-protected Cala Goloritzé, also require advance booking with daily visitor limits and charges.
- Environmental groups highlight the necessity of these measures to prevent damage, such as sand removal, amidst a global surge in tourist numbers.
IN FULL
Travellers must now pre-book to visit some of Italy’s best beaches