The issue? Parking. Soon the residents of Muravera, a cozy seaside town in the south of Sardinia, will have to pay every time they want to park up and access their local beaches during the summer.
But residents complain they will not be exempt from the charges and will instead be forced to pay for the privilege of sunbathing and swimming in the sea, just like tourists.
“It’s like paying to sit on public piazza benches, it is unacceptable.”
Muravera is not the first beach in Sardinia to charge for access (Photo: supplied)Punta Molentis, in the southern municipality of Villasimius, used to be part of an old quarry where donkeys were used to extract and transport huge stones. Now it is one of the top beaches in Sardinia, with a daily cap of 600 sunbathers. Parking is €15 (£13) per car and entrance is €3 (£2.60) for everyone. Bookings are made either online or in person, but the spots go quickly.
“I work during summer and have only a few days off, which will be last minute. So booking in time is impossible and often the site doesn’t work, let alone that we can’t afford those fees.
Punta Molentis has a daily cap of 600 sunbathers who must book a spot on the beach in advanceThe nearby beach of Sa Ruxi has similar parking and entry fees, though the local bookings office states there are seasonal beach subscriptions for Villasimius residents to access other smaller (and less beautiful) beaches for €50 (£44).
Both Villasimius’ and Muravera’s mayor’s office declined to comment on the charges.
“Baunei is a small town where everyone knows each other,” Mayor Monni Stefano told The i Paper. Six beaches have daily visitor caps and fees of up to €7 (£6) per person to enter but locals are immediately recognised at the entrance and spared the charge.
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“It’s positive that we residents also contribute to safekeeping our beautiful sea habitat,” said Angelo Schiaffino, who runs Musciarra bistrot in Stintino. “We work during summer but can enjoy La Pelosa in May and October when tourists are gone and it’s free.”
“It has never been an issue. Historically, during summer all residents are busy with seasonal tourist jobs. La Pelosa has always been considered as a beach for tourists,” she added.
Mr Pinna says anger is mounting among locals, though many feel unable to speak out and have already stopped going to the beaches in the area.
“Many of us are giving up going to our beaches and are driving miles to distant free beaches for a swim, or just sit at home,” he said.
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