Overtourism has become a global problem, especially in Europe. Italy’s bucket list destinations are no longer once-in-a-lifetime trips; instead, they’re on summer travel checklists for millions. This means the once-romantic streets of Venice are overcrowded, the picturesque shorelines of Positano are bursting, and the stunning architecture of Rome is obscured by the hundreds of people milling about on every street corner.
The accessibility of travel is great, but with so many people in new places—often under the veil of anonymity and the lowered inhibitions that come with being on vacation—the already crowded nature of top tourist spots is worsened by poorly behaved visitors. Headlines in recent years have highlighted loud beachgoers, Venice canal swimmers, and even acts of vandalism against art and monuments.
In response to repeated extreme behavior, many major destinations in Italy have implemented a series of fines targeting tourists who disregard local rules.
The city of Venice, for example, has published a list of new rules and “unacceptable behavior,” on its official government website in hopes of curbing some of these offenses.
“Current regulations enforced by the Venice City Council Municipal Police forbid certain behavior, in order to preserve urban cleanliness and landscape, and also for reasons of safety and public hygiene,” the website states. “The violation of such regulations involves the application of administrative fines—from €25 to €500.” (At the time of publication, €25 to €500 is roughly $30 to $584.)
So what can you get fined for in Venice? Here’s a few of the new rules:
- No consuming food and drink while sitting on the ground, or while sitting or lying on banks and foundations, monuments, bridges, steps, puteals (wellheads) and high-water walkways.
Fine: €100 to €200 (about $117 to $234) - No bathing, diving, or swimming in the canals.
Fine: €350 ($410) - No littering or dumping trash in public areas.
Fine: €350 ($410) - Do not walk around bare-chested or in swimwear.
Fine: €250 ($292)
You also can’t bike, camp, or feed the seagulls within the city limits or you’ll risk a fine.
According to Tour and Travel World, Venice isn’t the only Italian city enforcing penalties for bad behavior. Just like in Venice, you can be fined up to €500 ($584) for wearing swimwear outside of designated beach areas in Tuscany, Veneto, and Campania. In Cinque Terre, wearing flip-flops or other improper footwear on certain hikes can result in a fine of up to €2,500 ($2,920).
Many municipalities and regions enforce these fines primarily during the busiest travel months. In Portofino, for instance, eating on the ground can incur a €500 fine, but only through Sept. 30, 2025.
These fines are part of a broader trend in Europe and beyond, as local governments attempt to regulate tourism through fees, taxes, and fines in an effort to counteract the wear and tear caused by high volumes of visitors on infrastructure and local communities.
When planning your trip, make sure to do a quick search tourist regulations. Once you arrive, keep your eyes peeled for signage about what is and is not allowed. Just to be safe, keep a swim coverup handy and avoid eating your meals on the ground—both good rules of thumb regardless of the destination.
