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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd

Popular holiday hotspot starts charging visitors to sunbathe on its beaches

Holidaymakers looking to soak up some sunshine should make sure they've got some cash when visiting one Italian seaside.

Sardinian authorities have started charging people who visit certain beaches.

Visitors to both Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina in the archipelago of La Maddalena will have to pay €3 (£2.60) per person each day.

The archipelago is a national park which can only be accessed if accompanied by a guide, who will cost €25 (£21) for five hours.

Even if you're willing to pay the money, it may not be possible to get onto their sandy shores.

The Sardinians are protective of their beaches (Getty Images)

Just 60 people will be permitted on each beach per day in a bid by the authorities to control tourism and to ensure the beaches remain pristine.

Those found on the islands without a guide could be prosecuted.

In recent years Sardinians have become increasingly concerned by the number of people visiting the islands, with the amount of sand taken by tourists a particular issue.

The Spiaggia Rosa beach, which has pink sand, is particularly tempting for sticky-handed visitors.

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.

The Cala Mariolu only permits 550 people allowed per day, with each having to pay a €1 fee.

Pelosa beach has banned towels and urged visitors to instead bring mats instead, as they tend to gather less sand when they're removed.

Tourists flock to Sardinia's famed beaches like Spiaggia del Principe in Costa Smeralda (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Punta Molentis, Riu Trottu and Portu Sa Ruxi has asked tourists to pay €10 (£8.60) to use the car park, and an extra €1 (£0.86) for each passenger.

The need for all of this visitor control is that Sardinia remains one of most love destinations in Europe.

While they might cost a bit of money, its beaches are considered some of the most beautiful in the world.

To view a rundown of some of the archipelago's finest, click here.

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