Dream stand Le Saline near Stintino. The tourist helped herself here. Image: www.imago-images.de
May 25, 2026, 3:47 p.mMay 25, 2026, 3:47 p.m
A French tourist was caught in Sardinia with around 40 kilograms of sand, pebbles and shells. The 69-year-old was checked in the port of Porto Torres as she wanted to board a ferry to Toulon after vacationing on the island.
According to the Italian customs authorities, the fine sand and white stones came from the beach Le Saline near Stintino in northern Sardinia. Taking sand, pebbles and shells from beaches is banned under a 2017 regional law.
The confiscated material should be brought back to the beach. Image: www.imago-images.de
The woman now faces a fine of between 500 and 3,000 euros. The seized material is expected to be returned to the beach in the coming days.
Sand and pebble theft – especially by tourists – is a big problem in Sardinia. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches. Nevertheless, tourists steal sand and shells as souvenirs every year, thereby damaging the environment. The high penalties are intended to prevent this.
Most tourists are regularly amazed at the penalties. “The theft of beach sand may seem harmless, but it is deadly for the island’s fragile coastal system,” emphasized the authorities, who are tightening controls on the most famous beaches in the summer. (sda/apa)