A rare and beautiful beach in Italy is at risk of being destroyed by over tourism - so local authorities are hitting back with hefty fines.
Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach, is considered one of the world’s most breath-taking seaside spots due to its attractive and unusual pink sand which glistens gloriously in the sun.
Located on Budelli Island, off the coast of Sardinia, the colour of the beach comes from the shells of the Pink Miniacina microorganism.
The pretty pink sand first came under threat from tourists in 1980, leading authorities to clamp down on visitors who were caught stealing sand, which caused the colour to fade.
The gorgeous spot is now at risk again as tourists hunting for selfies have flocked to the protected beach, breaching restrictions on visitor numbers and causing erosion.
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 (£427)."
Currently, it is only possible to admire the Pink Beach from the sea, via an organised boat tour, as it is strictly forbidden to step on the beach. Only one person is allowed to permanently inhabit the island - Spiaggia Rosa's guardian.
Trading sand, shells and pebbles from Sardinia became illegal in 2017 and tourists could be caught doing so by scanners at the airport. People can face fines of up to 3,000 euros (£2,565) if they’re caught stealing sand to keep as a souvenir or sell online.
The Pink Beach isn’t the only Italian attraction to be struggling to cope with huge crowds this summer.
Italy’s Trentino Alto Adige region has introduced caps on cars after the mountainous region became overwhelmed by the number of people stopping by.,
Venice has also toyed with the idea of introducing a fee for day trippers to try to cope with huge numbers of tourists.
Portofino on the Italian Riviera is one of the many incredible beautiful towns in the boot shaped country which attracts heaving throngs of tourists each year.
It is a perfect place to visit with its many pastel-coloured houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants. That is, unless you love taking selfies.
The local government has introduced no-waiting zones to stop tourists from 'lingering' for too long in popular beauty spots. If you are caught with your phone turned face-wards in certain spots you could be fined up to 275 euros (£242).
Mayor of Portofino, Matteo Viacava, said selfie takers had been causing "anarchic chaos", including massive traffic jams and blocked streets.
The rule was introduced over the Easter weekend and will remain in place until the holiday season ends in October.
Similar actions have been taken in Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage listed village which boasts 16th century architecture, cosy lodges and charming cafés and shops.
It's even believed to have been the inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen, providing a backdrop that will be recognised by Disney loving children the world over.
Residents of the town are less than happy about its sudden rise to stardom, in no small part due to the huge crowds that flock to Hallstatt and clutter up its streets.
Mayor Alexander Scheutz says that the town's 750 residents have seen their picturesque home overrun with more than 7,000 tourists everyday.
In a bid to combat the invasion of privacy, the mayor has taken drastic measures, erecting two fences in the middle of Hallstatt to obstruct the most famous vistas
