The easy tourist mistakes that can get you into big trouble in Italy
SEVERAL holiday destinations have brought in new rules since travel returned to normal – as they try to deal with over-tourism.
Italy is no exception, as lots of local councils have implemented draconian measures to limit the effects of too many visitors.
Most recently, new rules were brought in to penalise people who spend too long trying to get the right photo in Portofino.
Anyone caught lingering in popular scenic spots could end up having to pay a fine of almost £250.
The mayor of the Italian village announced last month that he will introduce no-waiting zones for pedestrians, in a bid to stop overcrowding.
Matteo Viacava, the mayor, said that the rules will put an end to “anarchic chaos” that he fears could become dangerous.
The ban was introduced over the Easter break when a 12 per cent rise in tourists saw 1.7million tourists visiting holiday hotspots in Italy.
Portofino is far from alone with its strict rules – here are some other Italian destinations that have strange laws in place.
Cinque Terre – wearing flip flops
Foreigners have been warned that they must not wear flip flops or sandals if they’re walking along the coastline of Cinque Terre.
The warning came from the national park authority in 2019, according to Italian newspaper Repubblica, after they’d been forced to rescue a number of tourists who found themselves stranded on the tricky footpaths.
A public campaign has warned that anyone could be fined up to €2,500 (£2,200) if they are not properly equipped when they set out on their hike, and need help as a result.
Rome – sitting on the steps
Tourists can also be fined as much as €250 (£220) just for sitting down on Rome’s Spanish Steps.
Local authorities imposed the ban, saying too many people sit down for too long, obstructing the steps for others.
Municipal police officers have previously been seen patrolling the steps, handing out on the spot fines to offenders.
Venice – building sandcastles
Fines can also be handed out by officers on the beaches of Eraclea, near Venice to holidaymakers building sandcastles.
A maximum fine €250 (£220) is the punishment for anyone building a sandy structure, as the local authorities consider them to be unnecessary obstructions.
Sorrento – wearing swimwear in public
Elsewhere, in Sorrento, wearing swimwear in public, as well as being topless, was banned last summer, with the mayor declaring it to be part of “widespread indecorous behaviour”.
Massimo Coppola believes that bare flesh on show in his town upsets the locals and has now introduced a hefty fine for anyone showing off their body.
Anyone with too much skin on show in Sorrento, could be slapped with a £425 fine.
The strict measures have support from locals in the town.
Journalist Max Tamanti described wearing swimwear in public as a “macabre procession”.
Meanwhile, a number of beaches in Italy are charging tourists to sunbathe.
And some places in Spain have introduced strict public swimwear rules.