Tourists wishing to visit one of Italy’s most popular beaches, renowned for its fine golden sand and crystal clear waters, will soon need to book ahead via an app. This comes as part of a number of measures introduced in  Italy to combat overtourism. The idyllic beach of Tuerredda in Sardinia has long been a favourite destination for tourists around the world.

However, this beach, which rivals the Caribbean, has seen a surge in the influx of tourists, especially in the summer months. Although the beach has already been restricting visitor numbers to 1,100 people per day, the local Teulada council now wants visitors to book a spot via an app to alleviate the pressures on the beach and its surrounding infrastructure.

The mayor of Teulada, Angelo Milia, announced that the new system will be implemented as early as July, as the local government looks to manage the ever-increasing number of beachgoers during the high tourism season.

“We hope to start with the new system as early as July,” Angelo Milia, the mayor of Teulada, told local media.

Tuerredda once an unspoiled paradise, has become a victim of its own popularity due to tourists flocking to see its beautiful crescent shaped bay.

Sardinian authorities have been limiting visitor numbers to Tuerredda since 2020 and imposing bans on disposable plastic bags, smoking, and the removal of sand or pebbles from the beach

Those currently visiting Tuerredda are advised to get there as early as possible to secure a spot. Beachgoers can check the official website to see if there are spots available.

With over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, Sardinia’s popular beaches, like Pelosa and Cala Luna, have struggled to handle the influx of tourists, leading to congestion and a decline in the quality of the experience. 

Dozens of beaches in Sardinia now have visitor caps. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu have limited numbers to 1,447 and 3,352, respectively, between June 15 and September 15. Whilst at Cala Mariolu only 700 people are allowed daily.