Umbrellas are banned at Punta Molentis for anyone between the ages of 11 and 65, and the case even makes the Guardian headlines. "To set up a beach umbrella," writes the respected British newspaper, citing some comments from tourists, "perhaps the only thing to do is rent a baby. Or go to the beach with grandpa."
International case
The ordinance that in just a few days has brought Villasimius's name (truly) around the world is that of Mayor Gianluca Dessì. It was issued to protect the jewel of a beach following the devastation it suffered first by a fire (last July) and then by Cyclone Harry. "It is necessary," the ordinance states, "to adopt extraordinary measures to protect the site's environmental impact," and therefore it is essential to "contain the human impact within limits compatible with the current conditions of the beach." Thus, compared to 2025, the number of people allowed on the beach has dropped from 700 to 250 (150 by land and 100 by sea). Each person—regardless of their means of access—must pay a ten-euro ticket. Five euros for those arriving by sea. In any case, a maximum of seventy cars are allowed on the beach.
The operators
Everything, indeed, "for environmental protection." Yet it's unclear how the partial ban on beach umbrellas can help save the beach. "I realize," explains Sergio Ghiani, a member of the tourism consortium and one of the town's leading entrepreneurs, "that Punta Molentis needs to be protected, but I don't understand why umbrellas are banned for those over 64 but not for those over 66." If they really want to focus on beach umbrellas, "it should be scientifically proven," he adds, "that they damage the beach, but then they should be banned for everyone without distinction. At best, only the ones under the concession remain, umbrellas that don't run the risk of losing their plastic tips in the sand and thus polluting." As for the ticket, "a ten-euro per person fee for those arriving by land seems inappropriate to me. Perhaps it would be better to return to the car fee, perhaps even twenty euros. But ensuring that that money is reinvested in environmental protection."
New ordinance
Mayor Gianluca Dessì says he's not at all displeased by the Guardian's interest: "It's nice," he emphasizes, "to see how much everyone cares about protecting Punta Molentis. A beach that for us is our monument."
Regarding the ordinance, he specifies that "it was issued in early June as a deterrent, to immediately put a stop to the ongoing invasion." Shortly beforehand, a meeting had been held with all the agencies involved: the Coast Guard, the Regional State Property Agency, the Marine Area, and the Municipality. "There were two solutions," Dessì adds, "close it entirely or limit it, as has been done, pending further investigation into the beach's conditions. A careful scientific assessment has been conducted in recent days," he concludes, "and we have seen that the existing depression has dried up. I will issue a new ordinance between today and tomorrow that will allow the use of one umbrella per car. An additional 40 people will also be able to access the beach by land, for a total of 190." In any case, "the situation is variable; the ordinance may be revised throughout the season based on the beach's conformation. Any decision is made to safeguard the environment and ensure the coexistence of people and businesses."
The dig
Finally, Dessì doesn't hold back with a jab: "There are other major beaches in Sardinia that ban umbrellas and even towels, but I've never seen this much controversy. I'd also like to point out that until 2014, two thousand people and over 800 cars entered Punta Molentis. Unchecked."
