Sand, rocks and shells from the beaches of Sardinia have proven irresistible to some visitors. Tourists on the island have been known to pick up the fine white sand that has made Sardinia's northeastern coast a favorite of holidaymakers, reports The Local.

This has resulted in the loss of several tonnes of sand each year and in the last ten years an airport in Sardinia has seized about ten tonnes of sand.

"It gives an idea of ​​how widespread the problem of taking sand from the beaches really is," said Augusto Navone, director of nature conservation Tavolara, to Corriere della Sera.

But smuggling sand can be expensive - and punishable by fines up to over 30,000 Swedish kronor. Nevertheless, the thefts have continued.

Want to ban towels

So far, around six tonnes of sand have already been returned to Porto San Paolo Beach.

Some cities around Sardinia have suggested that towels and large bags should be banned - to prevent holidaymakers from taking sand from the fragile coastline.

"A bit of our future"

There are also plans to add new signs in the airport's arrival area, warning visitors not to collect sand or shells, which will be translated into multiple languages.

"Every grain of sand is a part of our future that will disappear," says Gianni Lampis, the regional council's adviser on environmental protection.