July 3, 2025, 8:35 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Who isn’t familiar with this: In popular vacation spots, crowded streets and packed attractions are almost a given during peak season. However, not all places can be visited just like that anymore—many now require reservations. TRAVELBOOK explains the reasons behind this and which travel destinations are affected.
It’s hardly surprising that museums or certain attractions charge an entrance fee. However, even for natural highlights like national parks, coastal landscapes, or protected bays, access is not always free anymore–some even require prior registration.
Overview
These Places Require Registration
Many popular vacation spots have been suffering for years from the effects of mass tourism. The large number of visitors not only causes crowds and noise, but nature often suffers as well. Beaches and coastal landscapes are sometimes buried in trash, sensitive dunes, plants, and habitats of native animals are destroyed. More and more regions are now taking action and trying to regulate visitor numbers with access restrictions or registration systems.
Beaches in Italy
With its crystal-clear water and bright sandy beaches, the island of Sardinia is one of the most popular travel destinations for families. However, spontaneous visits to some beaches are no longer possible, as prior registration is required. This applies, for example, to the Tuerredda beach in the south of the island, in the municipality of Teulada. Due to the enormous number of visitors in recent years, it is now mandatory to reserve a spot via an app. The permissible limit of 1,000 people per day was often not adhered to before. The famous “Rabbit Beach” on Lampedusa, the Spiaggia dei Conigli, is also affected. The beach is located in a nature reserve where sea turtles nest, and can only be accessed after prior online reservation.
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Roque Nublo – Gran Canaria
Roque Nublo, also known as “Cloud Rock,” is one of the most famous landmarks of Gran Canaria and is high on many vacationers’ to-do lists. The basalt rock rises about 80 meters high and offers views all the way to Tenerife on clear days. Since February of this year, access has been regulated to protect the sensitive nature around the rock. Those who wish to use the hiking trail to Roque Nublo between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. must register in advance for free via an online form.
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Blue Lagoon – Comino
The Blue Lagoon on the Maltese island of Comino looks like a painting with its bright blue water and rocks rising from the sea–no wonder countless bathers flock there in the summer months. Since May, however, there has been a change: Those who want to secure a spot at the Blue Lagoon must register online in advance, as access is only possible with reservation within three different time slots between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – Spain
On the Basque Atlantic coast in northern Spain, between the towns of Bakio and Bermeo, lies the rocky island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Connected to the mainland by a narrow stone dam, the island is a popular destination for fans of the series “Game of Thrones.”
Although access is free year-round, online reservation is required during certain periods. According to the official website, this includes Easter, weekends between April 13 and June 9, daily from June 10 to September 15, weekends and holidays in September and October, All Saints’ Day, and holidays around December 6 and 8.