Italy’s incredible PINK beach under threat by Instagram-loving tourists

A rare pink beach is under threat as Italian coastguards attempt to preserve it from Instagram-loving tourists.

Calls to stopping swimming on Pink Beach and taking pictures have been defied by tourists. The beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, is located on the Budelli Island, off Sardinia.  

The colour of the sand is from the shells of the Pink Miniacina micro-organism living in sea grass. When brought to shore it mixes with the white sand making it turn pink.

In 1980, a ban was introduced after visitors were caught stealing sand and sea grass which caused the colour to fade.

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.

A rare pink beach is under threat as Italian coastguard attempt to preserve it from Instagram-loving tourists

Calls to stopping swimming on Pink Beach and taking pictures have been defied by tourists

The beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, is located on the Budelli Island, off Sardinia

The colour of the sand is from the shells of the Pink Miniacina micro-organism living in sea grass. When brought to shore it mixes with the white sand making it turn pink 

In 1980, a ban was introduced after visitors were caught stealing sand and sea grass which caused the colour to fade

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

‘At two other beaches in the park, which can be visited, a cap on numbers will be enforced this summer.

‘We expect 1,200 boats to visit the park every day this summer and too many people are removing sand for souvenirs, which couples with increasingly violent storms to create erosion.’

Italy are expecting a high number of tourists this summer with 127 million from home and abroad expected to visit beaches and cities. The number is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels.