Sardinia coastal management and beach access regulations

Regional authorities in Sardinia have introduced new guidelines to preserve free beach access and manage coastal tourism. The policy aims to maintain free beach availability at 60 percent in urban areas and 80 percent in non-anthropized zones, while increasing the required distance between beach establishments from 50 to 80 meters. While environmental groups like Legambiente have supported these measures as part of sustainable tourism, local business owners and concession holders have expressed concern regarding the potential economic impact.

Following these regulatory shifts, nautical operators and environmental committees have called for even stricter, more uniform rules to protect marine ecosystems. Proposals include limiting beach access to swimming only and prohibiting the transport of equipment onto sand to protect dunes and vegetation. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the impact of high-density nautical tourism on Posidonia oceanica meadows, with advocates calling for heavier sanctions, increased controls, and protective mooring systems to prevent erosion and biodiversity loss.