(§1º)Budelli Island is part of the La Maddalena
Archipelago and is home to Spiaggia Rosa - a stretch of
pink sand that's been protected by the Italian government
since 1992.
(§2º)The pink shade is caused by the crushed shells of a
micro-organism mixing with the sand when it dies. But
when the beach started to lose its rose-tinted hue
because of over-tourism, visitors were banned in a bit to
protect the pink sand.
(§3º)The colour has since returned but a new wave of
unauthorised daytrippers are threatening the pink shores.
While it is strictly forbidden to step foot on the beach,
holidaymakers are able to admire the pink sand from the
safety of a boat. But according to one expert, some
holidaymakers are flouting the ban.
(§4º)In an article in the Times, Fabrizio Fonnesu, director
of the Maddalena archipelago national park said: "The
beach is again in danger as people arrive by boat,
clamber up the beach, then post photos, which allow us
to fine them up to 500 euros (£430)."
(§5º)Tourists who've attempted to take Sardinia's pink
sand away as a souvenir can up fined up to 3,500 euros (£3,007). And according to the Guardian, a couple were
fined 1,000 euros (£860) in 2001 after they were caught
filling a plastic bottle with sand.
(§6º)Brits who want to visit the island will need to book
themself onto a private boat tour or a ferry service to
glimpse this secluded spot from afar. Other beaches on
the island have also brought in measures to minimise the
impact of tourists. Only 1,600 people can visit Cala Sisine
while Santa Maria Navarrese only permits 1,300 euros.
(§7º)Fewer still are able to visit Cala Mariolu, with only
550 people allowed in per day and each having to pay a
1 euro fee. Elsewhere, Pelosa Beach has banned towels
and asked visitors to instead bring mats which gather
less sand. Anyone visiting will have to pay 3.50 euros.
(§8º)Meanwhile, tourists wanting to visit the beaches of
Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina in the archipelago of
La Maddalena will have to pay 3 euros per person for
access each day after new rules were brought in. The
archipelago itself is a national park and only accessible
with a guide, which will cost 25 euros for five hours.
(§9º)And anyone caught visiting the archipelago without a
guide could face prosecution. Just 60 people will be
permitted on each beach per day, as the local authorities
look at ways to protect the sites from the impact of
tourism.
(§10º)Slots must be booked in advance by contacting a
local guide but it is hoped that an app will be launched
soon. Here are several other pink beaches
holidaymakers can visit across Europe - and one's in the
UK. And a beach in the Canary Islands even has sand
that looks like popcorn, due to the shape of the coral.
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w.thesun.co.uk/travel/22667535/pink-beach-italy-bundelli-tourists-fined/