Brit holiday island Sardinia is overrun by ‘swarm’ of ‘out of control’ tourist party boats sparking locals’ fury

BEAUTY spots around the coast of Sardinia are being overrun by a “swarm” of tourist party boats sparking fury among locals. Thousands of yachts and dinghies packed with “out of control” party-goers have flooded the Italian island this summer. Party boats flood the Mediterranean surrounding the protected Maddelena National ParkCredit: Refer to source Furious locals say the ‘swarm’ of partygoers pose a threat to the environmentCredit: Refer to source Now furious locals have hit out at influx which they blame for tearing up the protected sea bed. Groups have been anchoring around the protected Maddelena National Park – a chain of nearly 60 pristine rocky islands off Sardinia’s north-east coast. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Footage shows the region transformed into a “boat park” with a karaoke party blaring music from speakers and a microphone while visitors tear around on jet ski’s. Rosanna Giudice, president of the Maddalena National Park, told La Nuova Sardegna: “They come swarming in like locusts.” The Maddelena National Park is a protected chain of nearly 60 pristine rocky islands Credit: Getty Tourists have flooded the region, anchoring within the protected zone and breaching regulationsCredit: Refer to source She said that as many as 6,500 boats have been seen in the area, when it is only able to accommodate around 2,500 a day. Italian law requires boats to anchor at least 650ft from beaches and 320ft from the shore. But many dinghies rented by day trippers breach the quotas. Conservationists say the popular new trend poses a threat to swimmers and the environment. Most read in The Sun Lino Cozzuto, head of Guardie Ambientali Sardegna, an environmental protection group, told The Times: “Local governments have long tried to protect the beaches by limiting visitor numbers, but out at sea anchoring is out of control.” Lino said many people watching the videos “think it’s artificial intelligence“. “But these are the ways in which our coves are overrun with people.” The region’s surplus of boat rentals – made easier by apps – pristine water and beautiful views has attracted the crowds. In the spring the park enforced restrictions for access but boat rental groups pushed backCredit: Refer to source The region has long attracted the rich and famous for its pristine waters Credit: Alamy But local rental firms have recently pushed back against the rules aimed at protecting the environment. In the spring the park enforced restrictions for access but rental groups hit out at what they described as “the use of serious environmental concerns to justify measures to disrupt competition”. Maddelena has long been popular with the rich and famous with Italy‘s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni holidaying in the region this month. The country’s former controversial leader, Silvio Berlusconi, also owned a mansion there. Italy has cracked down on over-tourism in recent years, slapping a swathe of rules on holidaymakers. Last year officials in Portofino announced fines for walking barefoot, in swimwear, or topless. Boozing in the streets was also stamped as a no-go, with alcohol only prohibited in restaurants, bars, or designated areas. The regulations are only in place during the summer, where the town sees an influx of 100,000 tourists. In the quieter times of the year, the town only has a population of just 400. Comment now