Sardinian authorities have intensified their crackdown on tourists who take sand from the island's beaches, with fines of up to €3,000 (£2,700) being issued. The move follows the recent case of a 40-year-old Italian, who lives in the UK but is originally from Naples, fined €1,000 after police found him with a bottle of sand from Gallura beach on the island's north coast.
Vigilante patrols have also been deployed at some beaches as part of efforts to deter offenders. The problem has persisted for years, with more than a tonne of sand discovered in tourists' luggage at Cagliari airport last summer, despite clear signposts warning that removing sand is forbidden. Officers often find the sand in plastic bottles or bags labelled with the name of the beach from which it was taken.
Authorities stress that the practice is not only an offence but also harmful to the island's delicate environment. The German embassy in Rome added its voice to the warnings last week, noting on its Facebook page: "Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, for example Cala Goloritzè, but the taking of sand, stones and molluscs is a serious problem."
Residents have also taken action, setting up a Facebook page called "Sardinia is being robbed and pillaged." A note on the page reads: "With the excuse of acquiring a souvenir, each year tourists are taking from the island what nature took millions of years to create."
Some offenders have later expressed remorse. In 2016, a woman who had taken sand from Budelli, an island famous for its pink-sand beach, returned it after 29 years. The pink colour comes from a mix of fragments of coral, granite and shells. She sent the sand back with an apology note saying: "I read in some newspapers and heard on the TV what this sand is and how it is made. I understood how unique Sardinia is. I felt guilty."
Sardinia, a popular destination for wealthy visitors, has 28 beaches with Blue Flag status, reflecting their cleanliness. The authorities hope the threat of fines will preserve the island's natural beauty for future generations.
