Sardinia, the happy island of free beaches: only a fifth of it is occupied by resorts

With paid parking, limited access, and mandatory reservations, even in Sardinia one gets the feeling that planting a beach umbrella, spreading out a towel on the sand, and enjoying a day at the beach has become a luxury, summer after summer. Olbia Mayor Settimo Nizzi's initiative to defend free beaches in his area falls within the context of a region with one of the lowest coastal "occupancy" rates in Italy: on the island – according to Legambiente data – beach concessions cover 20.6% of the 595 kilometers of sandy coastline . In Italy, only Molise (19.6%) and Friuli Venezia Giulia (20.3%) have lower percentages, while Liguria is at 69.8, Emilia Romagna at 69.3, and Campania at 67.7. The Italian average is 42.4.

"We're in a good situation," smiles Marta Battaglia , president of Legambiente Sardegna. The association has just released its "Beach Report 2026," which also examines the issue of concessions: "We Sardinians," she continues, "have been able to establish a system of use in which privatization of management has not prevailed." Of course: raked sand, pre-placed sunbeds and umbrellas, available restrooms and showers, a lifeguard, and the option to purchase food and drinks are conveniences appreciated by many. Others, however, prefer the public beach, or simply can't afford to pay: and if this alternative is denied, it's a problem.

The situation is uneven across the island: the highest density of permits (about 40%) is concentrated in Gallura, from Palau to Budoni, passing through tourist hotspots like Arzachena and Olbia. In southern Sardinia (from Arbus to Villaputzu), however, the pressure is much lower, and in Ogliastra it is almost nonexistent.