Latest news with #MatteoViacava
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Tourists risk £400 fine for picnics and drinking booze in Portofino crackdown
Visitors to the town of Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, will have to abide by new local ordnance that prohobits several common activities enjoyed by holidaymaking Brits A sun-drenched holiday hotspot could fine rulebreaking Brits more than £400 after it introduced sweeping bans restricting a slew of typical summer activities. Italian officials in Portofino, a stunning coastal town on the country's Riviera in Liguria typically swimming with thousands of tourists at a time, have introduced bans after growing weary of the massive activity. From today, new ordinance will prevent the up to 100,000 people who travel there a year from walking barefoot, enjoying picnics, and drinking booze on the community's streets. The ordnance, which has been introduced to protect the "peace and quiet of residents and tourists", also introduces a series of other bans. Signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, it prevents people from walking through the town barefoot, topless, or while wearing nothing more than swimwear. Per the rules, alcohol can only be consumed in restaurants, bars and designated areas, with begging and lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and in local parks also banned. The new rules come into effect immediately, and will last throughout the summer season, when thousands of Brits will be mingling with the roughly 400 locals during a picturesque summer break. Those who break the rules will risk a potential hefty fine, with penalties ranging from as low as £22 to up to £433 as Italian officials try to discourage unruly tourists. Portofino has jostled with problem visitors for years, with the increasingly popular town having hit headlines years ago for similar restrictive measures. In 2023, officials banned tourists from visiting several local vantage points, officially citing concerns over local pedestrian footfall. The earlier crackdown led to the creation of "no-waiting zones" in which tourists were prevented from pausing at locations - usually the most popular ones - deemed especially crowded or prone to bottlenecking. Much like the latest raft of bans, rule flouters were threatened with hefty - although less pricey - fines. Anyone caught on the wrong side of the ordnance was ordered to pay up €275 (£242), with town administrators stressing at the time that, again like the latest rules, they were meant to protect the local quality of life. Mayor Viacava told news outlet Leggo the rules were placed after select areas of the Portofino borough became so crowded that police were called in to "control pedestrians". He said: "The ordinance prohibits gatherings in certain areas of the borough where getting around is so difficult that police must be called in to control pedestrians. This is a common sense safety measure." He added in a statement to Il Secolo XIX.: "Our goal is not to drive tourists away or discourage them from visiting. "Everyone must do their part to contribute to the beauty of Portofino by behaving properly."
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- Daily Record
Italian tourists could be hit with hefty fines if they break these 3 rules at holiday hotspot
The busy tourist village is now dishing out fines to those who break the new rules. 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. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Popular Italian holiday hotspot bans walking barefoot, booze & picnics with rules-breaking tourists facing hefty fines
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CHARMING seaside gem nestled on the Italian Riviera has slapped strict rules on holidaymakers. Officials in Portofino, a town in Liguria famed for its narrow houses painted in tutti frutti shades, will be handing out fines to those who disrespect the picturesque hotspot. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Portofino's population of 400 expands to 100,000 over the summer months Credit: Alamy From July 15, travellers will no longer be allowed to walk through the cobbled streets barefoot, in swimwear or topless. The rules are also extended for the piazza, Italian for the main square of a town. Boozing in the streets is also a no-go, with alcohol only prohibited in restaurants, bars, or designated areas. If your flip flops are causing you grief, make sure to plonk yourself down on a bench as sitting or lying on paths, walls and parks is against the rules. In a bid to crack down on litter and public nuisance, picnics are also banned. The regulations are only in place during the summer, where the town sees an influx of 100,000 tourists. In the quieter times of the year, the town only has a population of 400. The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will temporarily expire on September 30. Anyone caught breaking the rules could be fined between £22 and £433. The fine system has been put in place to protect the "peace and quiet of residents and tourists". In the port city of Diano Marina, similar guidelines were put in place by the mayor, Cristiano Za Garibaldi. He told Telenord: "This is not a punishment, but a gesture of respect for the town, its residents, and visitors." Italy is the third most visited country in Europe, after France and Spain, and in 2023 saw around 57.3 million tourists. To cope with culture clashes, other cities in the stunning country have also imposed rules to protect their citizens. Picnics on bridges or monuments in Venice are not allowed, and in Rome its forbidden to bathe in fountains. On the island of Capri, it's frowned upon to wear noisy shoes like heels. Spain, the holiday hotspot for Brits since the travel boom in the 1970s, is also cracking down on travellers. There are now restrictions in place to stop holidaymakers drinking alcohol in public spaces including streets, parks, and on beaches. Drinking in a public space could result in fines up to £2,568. Areas in Majorca, such as Llucmajor, Palma and Magaluf, have also stopped the sale of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am - as stated on the government website. These areas have also put a restriction on happy hour deals and have banned offers like 'all you can drink in one hour'. Hotels and other establishments, like bars, will also evict customers for dangerous behaviour - and will hand out fines too. Drinking alcohol on beaches is largely prohibited - especially during peak tourist seasons. Anyone caught drinking on the beach or promenade when the rules state otherwise will be fined on the spot, with the amount ranging from £1,285 to £2,568. A new law was passed in Spain last year that gives local municipalities the power to fine anyone caught smoking on the beach. If a municipality does take up the law, anyone caught smoking on the beach can be charged up to £1,700. Around 20 per cent of the country's beaches are already smoke-free zones and there's been a call for a total ban. 3 The picturesque town has banned drinking in the streets and public places Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Popular Italian holiday hotspot bans walking barefoot, booze & picnics with rules-breaking tourists facing hefty fines
A CHARMING seaside gem nestled on the Italian Riviera has slapped strict rules on holidaymakers. Officials in Portofino, a town in Liguria famed for its narrow houses painted in tutti frutti shades, will be handing out fines to those who disrespect the picturesque hotspot. Advertisement 3 Portofino's population of 400 expands to 100,000 over the summer months Credit: Alamy From July 15, travellers will no longer be allowed to walk through the cobbled streets barefoot, in The rules are also extended for the piazza, Italian for the main square of a town. If your flip flops are causing you grief, make sure to plonk yourself down on a bench as sitting or lying on paths, walls and parks is against the rules. Advertisement read more on italy In a bid to crack down on litter and public nuisance, picnics are also banned. The regulations are only in place during the summer, where the town sees an influx of 100,000 tourists. In the quieter times of the year, the town only has a population of 400. The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will temporarily expire on September 30. Advertisement Most read in Travel Anyone caught breaking the rules could be fined between £22 and £433. The fine system has been put in place to protect the "peace and quiet of residents and tourists". In the port city of Diano Marina, similar guidelines were put in place by the mayor, Cristiano Za Garibaldi. He told Telenord: "This is not a punishment, but a gesture of respect for the town, its residents, and visitors." Advertisement Italy is the third most visited country in Europe, after France and Spain, and in 2023 saw around 57.3 million tourists. To cope with culture clashes, other cities in the stunning country have also imposed rules to protect their citizens. Picnics on bridges or monuments in Venice are not allowed, and in Rome its forbidden to bathe in fountains. On the island of Capri, it's frowned upon to wear noisy shoes like heels. Advertisement Spain, the holiday hotspot for Brits since the travel boom in the 1970s, is also cracking down on travellers. There are now restrictions in place to stop holidaymakers drinking alcohol in public spaces including streets, parks, and on beaches. Drinking in a public space could result in fines up to £2,568. Areas in Advertisement These areas have also put a restriction on happy hour deals and have banned offers like 'all you can drink in one hour'. Hotels and other establishments, like bars, will also evict customers for dangerous behaviour - and will hand out fines too. Drinking alcohol on beaches is largely prohibited - especially during peak tourist seasons. Anyone caught drinking on the beach or promenade when the rules state otherwise will be fined on the spot, with the amount ranging from £1,285 to £2,568. Advertisement A new law was passed in Spain last year that gives local municipalities the power to fine anyone caught . If a municipality does take up the law, anyone caught smoking on the beach can be charged up to £1,700. Around 20 per cent of the country's beaches are already smoke-free zones and there's been a call for a total ban. 3 The picturesque town has banned drinking in the streets and public places Credit: Alamy Advertisement 3 People caught breaking the rules could be fined up to £433 Credit: Alamy
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Popular Italian holiday hotspot bans walking barefoot, booze & picnics with rules-breaking tourists facing hefty fines
A CHARMING seaside gem nestled on the Italian Riviera has slapped strict rules on holidaymakers. Officials in Portofino, a town in Liguria famed for its narrow houses painted in tutti frutti shades, will be handing out fines to those who disrespect the picturesque hotspot. 3 From July 15, travellers will no longer be allowed to walk through the cobbled streets barefoot, in swimwear or topless. The rules are also extended for the piazza, Italian for the main square of a town. Boozing in the streets is also a no-go, with alcohol only prohibited in restaurants, bars, or designated areas. If your flip flops are causing you grief, make sure to plonk yourself down on a bench as sitting or lying on paths, walls and parks is against the rules. In a bid to crack down on litter and public nuisance, picnics are also banned. The regulations are only in place during the summer, where the town sees an influx of 100,000 tourists. In the quieter times of the year, the town only has a population of 400. The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will temporarily expire on September 30. Anyone caught breaking the rules could be fined between £22 and £433. The fine system has been put in place to protect the "peace and quiet of residents and tourists". In the port city of Diano Marina, similar guidelines were put in place by the mayor, Cristiano Za Garibaldi. He told Telenord: "This is not a punishment, but a gesture of respect for the town, its residents, and visitors." Italy is the third most visited country in Europe, after France and Spain, and in 2023 saw around 57.3 million tourists. To cope with culture clashes, other cities in the stunning country have also imposed rules to protect their citizens. Picnics on bridges or monuments in Venice are not allowed, and in Rome its forbidden to bathe in fountains. On the island of Capri, it's frowned upon to wear noisy shoes like heels. Spain, the holiday hotspot for Brits since the travel boom in the 1970s, is also cracking down on travellers. There are now restrictions in place to stop holidaymakers drinking alcohol in public spaces including streets, parks, and on beaches. Drinking in a public space could result in fines up to £2,568. Areas in Majorca, such as Llucmajor, Palma and Magaluf, have also stopped the sale of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am - as stated on the government website. These areas have also put a restriction on happy hour deals and have banned offers like 'all you can drink in one hour'. Hotels and other establishments, like bars, will also evict customers for dangerous behaviour - and will hand out fines too. Drinking alcohol on beaches is largely prohibited - especially during peak tourist seasons. Anyone caught drinking on the beach or promenade when the rules state otherwise will be fined on the spot, with the amount ranging from £1,285 to £2,568. A new law was passed in Spain last year that gives local municipalities the power to fine anyone caught smoking on the beach. If a municipality does take up the law, anyone caught smoking on the beach can be charged up to £1,700. Around 20 per cent of the country's beaches are already smoke-free zones and there's been a call for a total ban. 3 3
