The easy tourist mistakes that can get you into big trouble in Italy

SEVERAL holiday destinations have introduced new rules to counteract over-tourism since travel has returned to normal.

Italy is no exception as many local governments have implemented this draconian measures to limit the impact of too many visitors.

2

New rules have recently been introduced to penalize people who spend too long trying to capture the right photo Portofino.

Anyone caught loitering at popular vantage points faces a fine of nearly £250.

The mayor of the Italian village announced last month that he would introduce pedestrian waiting areas to combat overcrowding.

Matteo Viacava, the mayor, said the rules would put an end to “anarchic chaos” which he fears could become dangerous.

The ban was introduced during the Easter holidays, when a 12 percent surge in tourist numbers led to 1.7 million 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 – in flip flops

Foreigners have been warned not to wear flip flops or sandals when walking along the Cinque Terre coast.

The warning came from the National Park Authority in 2019 Italian newspaper Repubblicaafter being forced to rescue a number of tourists stranded on the difficult footpaths.

A public campaign has warned that anyone can be fined up to €2,500 (£2,200) if they are not properly equipped to start their trek and therefore need help.

Rome – sitting on the steps

Tourists can also be fined up to €250 (£220) just for sitting on it Rome’s Spanish Steps.

Local authorities imposed the ban on the grounds that too many people were sitting for too long, blocking the way for others.

Earlier, officers from the Metropolitan Police were spotted patrolling the steps and handing out fines to offenders on the spot.

Venice – build sandcastles

Officials can also issue fines to holidaymakers who build sandcastles on the beaches of Eraclea, near Venice.

There is a maximum penalty of €250 (£220) for constructing a sand structure, as local authorities consider this to be an unnecessary hindrance.

Sorrento – Wear swimwear in public

Elsewhere, in SorrentoWearing swimwear in public, as well as going topless, was banned last summer, with the mayor saying it was part of “widespread indecent behaviour”.

Massimo Coppola believes bare flesh in his town angers locals and has now instituted a hefty fine for anyone flaunting their body.

Anyone showing too much skin in Sorrento could be fined £425.

The strict measures Get support from locals in the city.

Journalist Max Tamanti called wearing swimwear in public a “macabre procession”.

There are now a number of beaches in Italy Encourage tourists to sunbathe.

And some places in Spain have introduced strict publicity bathing rules.

2