Holidays on the Italian island of Sardinia can be expensive. Especially if you pack unauthorized vacation souvenirs.
A French tourist was reported and fined in Sardinia for removing 41 kilos of quartz pebbles from a protected beach. The man will now have to pay a fine of 3,000 euros. He was caught checking his car as he boarded the ferry from Sardinia to Nice, Italian media reported on Tuesday. The stones were confiscated.
The theft of sand and pebbles – especially by tourists – is a big problem in Sardinia and carries fines of up to 3,000 euros, the case is not the first this year. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches. However, every year tourists bring sand and shells home as souvenirs, thereby harming the environment. The high penalties are intended to prevent this.
However, most tourists are puzzled by the penalties. “Stealing sand from the beach may seem harmless, but it is deadly for the fragile coastal system of the island”, said the authorities, who are tightening controls on the most famous beaches in summer. Authorities have already taken other steps, such as regulating access to popular selfie spots. (APA/red)