A French tourist was stopped in Sardinia after Italian customs officers found 40kg of sand, shells and pebbles hidden in her car as she boarded a ferry to France. Authorities said the 69-year-old had collected the material from a beach in the north-west of the Italian island.
The woman was detained at the port of Porto Torres before boarding a ferry to Toulon. The sand was discovered in bags under the car seats, and officers later identified its likely origin as Le Saline beach in Stintino.
Italian news agency Ansa reported that the tourist now faces a fine of between 500 euro and 3,000 euro under Sardinia’s regional law, which bans the removal of sand, pebbles and shells from the coast. The confiscated material is to be returned to the beach.
The case has again highlighted Sardinia’s strict efforts to protect its coastline and fragile natural environment. The island depends heavily on tourism, but local authorities have spent years trying to balance visitor numbers with conservation rules.
Regional laws on the island go beyond bans on taking natural souvenirs. At some protected beaches, visitors are not allowed to place towels directly on the sand, including at La Pelosa beach in Stintino, to reduce erosion and limit damage to the shore.
Some dunes are also off limits. The White Dunes of Porto Pino, for example, cannot be used as a place to sit or lie down, while smoking is restricted or banned on many beaches. Tourists caught littering cigarette butts can also face fines of 150 euro to 500 euro.
The latest seizure is not unusual for Sardinia, where authorities regularly intercept travellers trying to take sand, shells or stones home as souvenirs. But the sheer quantity involved in this case, 40kg, made the discovery stand out.
Why the woman tried to take such a large amount of sand back to France was not known. Italian officials did not say whether she had admitted the offence.
Local and regional authorities have for years warned visitors that what may seem like a harmless keepsake can cause lasting environmental damage. Removing even small amounts of sand can affect beaches, dunes and coastal habitats over time.
Sardinia remains one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. Officials say protecting the island’s beaches is essential if tourism is to remain sustainable.
The case has also served as a reminder to travellers that souvenir rules vary widely from place to place. In Sardinia, a handful of sand can now lead to a substantial fine, and a car full of it can lead to a police report.
