Olbia – What many vacationers consider a harmless souvenir is becoming a serious problem for Sardinia’s coastlines: Over the past two years, inspectors at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport have seized nearly four metric tons of sand, shells, and pebbles from travelers„ luggage as part of efforts to combat sand theft on the beaches of this Mediterranean island. The confiscated material has since been returned to the coast as part of the environmental project “Riportami al Mare.”.
Dozens of travelers with the beach in their suitcases
These figures are based on inspections conducted over the past two years at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. According to the figures presented, staff from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and the Corpo Forestale e di Vigilanza Ambientale intercepted dozens of tourists there who wanted to take fragments of the coastal ecosystem home as souvenirs of their vacation. Sand, shells, and pebbles often end up in suitcases and bags unnoticed—even though removing such materials is expressly prohibited. The data was presented during the launch of the new edition of the „Riportami al Mare“ project, which was created specifically to combat this phenomenon.
Why Sand Isn't a Souvenir
There is a twofold purpose behind the initiative: The sediment confiscated during the inspections is to be returned to the beaches, while at the same time raising awareness about the protection of coastal ecosystems. Sand, shells, and pebbles are not merely beach decorations, but are essential for the stability and preservation of the beaches, as the participating agencies emphasize. The project has been supported for years by the airport operator Geasar, together with the Area Marina Protetta Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo marine protected area and the Corpo Forestale. Now in its sixth year, the project also involves the Region of Sardinia and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). Just how popular the island’s beaches are was most recently demonstrated in international rankings – which makes the gradual loss of her material all the more painful.
Returning to Nature Behind Tavolara
Last week, the collected materials were returned to nature—at the Tramontana site behind the island of Tavolara. The location was not chosen at random: a geologist commissioned by Geasar examined the composition of the collected finds and determined the most suitable site for reintroduction in order to preserve the natural balance and geological characteristics of the area.
198 citations, 110,000 euros in fines
According to the experts involved, taking sand and shells home continues to be one of the greatest threats to Sardinia’s beaches. As the Corpo Forestale reports on its website, between 2020 and 2025, 198 reports were filed during inspections at the port and airport in Olbia for the illegal removal of sand, shells, and pebbles—resulting in 110,000 euros in revenue for the Region of Sardinia. Through projects such as „Riportami al Mare,“ the institutions aim not only to restore what has been taken from the coast but, above all, to raise awareness among both locals and visitors about the value of a unique and particularly fragile natural heritage.
