Italian tourists could be hit with hefty fines if they break these 3 rules at holiday hotspot
Scots heading to a popular tourist spot in Italy this summer are being warned they could be hit with hefty fines if they are caught breaking three rules. From July 15, tourists in Portofino will no longer be allowed to walk through the cobbled streets barefoot, in swimwear or topless.
Fines will also be handed out if tourists are found to be consuming alcohol outside or seen to be enjoying a picnic. Alcoholic drinks are now only prohibited in restaurants, bars, or designated areas. The strict new rules are only in effect over the peak summer holiday season and will expire on September 30.
During quieter months, the town's population is only around 400, however during the summer months the number of people in the fishing village can soar to a whopping 100,000.
UK tourists caught breaking the rules will face fines starting at £22 but could rise to £433. The fine system has reportedly been put in place to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists'.
Mayor Cristiano Za Garibaldi told Telenord: "This is not a punishment, but a gesture of respect for the town, its residents, and visitors."
In 2023, Portofino made headlines when it banned stopping at particularly popular viewpoints, officially citing safety reasons. However, many believed it was a disguised selfie ban, reports Birmingham Live.
The town on the Italian Riviera has introduced no-waiting zones to stop tourists for 'lingering' in popular beauty spots taking pictures.
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Tourists were told back in 2023 that they could now be fined up to 275 euros (£242) for hanging around too long in the zones, which include the most photogenic hotspots.
Mayor Matteo Viacava said of the rule: 'The objective is not to make the place more exclusive but to allow everyone to enjoy our beauty.'
He added that the rule also helps to 'avoid dangerous situations caused by overcrowding' allowing emergency services access.
The popular coastal fishing commune is known for its colourful houses overlooking the sea. To reduce traffic on the famous 35 kilometre stretch between Vietri sul Mare and Positano, a number plate restriction system were introduced between June and September last year.
Other places in Europe have also introduced anti-tourist rules in order to keep areas nice for locals.
Last year, Portugal implemented a "no loud music" rule on its beaches, with fines of up to €36,000 (£31,000). It also banned ball games, camping and fires on beaches.
Picnics on bridges or monuments in Venice are also not allowed, and people are forbidden from bathing in fountains in Rome.
And locals in the town of Hallstatt in Austria were so frustrated with tourists arriving to take selfies in front of the nearby mountains that they put up fences to block the view.
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