Sardinia’s Beaches Now Require Reservations: Sun, Sand, and a QR Code

Heading to Sardinia for some Mediterranean beach bliss? You’ll want to pack your sunscreen—and your smartphone. Tourists hoping to visit certain beaches on this Italian island will now need to reserve their place in the sun using an app or website.

The new rule is Sardinia’s latest attempt to control overtourism, which has been making waves in recent years. Digital reservations are being rolled out for several popular spots, including the picturesque Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu in the north. These beaches are capping daily visitors at 1,447 and 3,352 respectively, and you’ll need to snag a spot via the San Teodoro app or their official website. Upon booking, visitors get a QR code—because nothing says ‘relaxing beach day’ like a digital check-in, right?

The reservation system is mandatory from June 1 through September 30. As the official site explains, "Access to the beaches of Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu is subject to mandatory reservations." So, spontaneous detours are definitely out this summer.

Down south, the Teulada council is racing to launch a similar digital booking system, with Mayor Angelo Milia optimistic it’ll be ready by July. Sardinia has already been tightening tourism rules island-wide, with some towns requiring beach tickets and even regulating towel usage (yes, in Stintino’s Pelosa, regular towels must be paired with a straw mat—no exceptions!).

And while these rules may sound a bit much, keep in mind that Sardinia is a hot ticket: about six million Americans made their way to Italy in 2023 alone, according to the State Department. Looks like the days of showing up and staking your claim on the sand are officially over—at least if you want that Instagram-worthy spot!