A BEACH in Italy is in danger of disappearing – and tourists who flock there risk being fined £430.
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.
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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.
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.
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 (£430).”
Tourists who’ve attempted to take Sardinia’s pink sand away as a souvenir can up fined up to €3,500 (£3,007).
And according to the Guardian, a couple were fined €1,000 (£860) in 2001 after they were caught filling a plastic bottle with sand.
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.
Fewer still are able to visit Cala Mariolu, with only 550 people allowed in per day and each having to pay a €1 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.
Meanwhile, tourists wanting to visit the beaches of Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina in the archipelago of La Maddalena will have to pay €3 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 for five hours.
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.
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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