Published on
September 2, 2025
In response to the growing pressures of overtourism, countries like Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, and Croatia have introduced stricter regulations and tourist fines. These measures aim to tackle overcrowding, environmental damage, and the disruption of local communities caused by mass tourism. With new fines for actions like eating and drinking in public places, wearing swimwear outside designated areas, or disturbing public order, travelers now face a need for greater awareness and consideration of local customs.
As a result, your travel plans may require some adjustments. Whether it’s avoiding certain activities like feeding pigeons in Venice or understanding where you can and can’t swim in the canals, the new rules are designed to make your visit more respectful of the local culture and environment. This article breaks down how these new fines will impact your European vacation, what actions to avoid, and why it’s more important than ever to respect the places you visit.
In recent years, overtourism has become a growing concern across Europe. While tourism remains a vital source of income, many of the continent’s most cherished destinations are struggling to handle the negative impacts of mass travel. As a result, European authorities are rolling out stricter rules and hefty fines to protect their cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local communities. These new regulations remind travelers that while tourism offers enjoyment and discovery, it also carries a responsibility to respect the places we visit.
If you’re planning a European getaway, it’s crucial to understand the rules in place at popular tourist spots to avoid unwanted fines. Here’s a guide to some of the most notable fines and regulations in Europe’s top destinations.
1. Venice, Italy: Protecting the City’s Charm
Venice, a city known for its winding canals and centuries-old architecture, has faced immense pressure from tourism. In an effort to preserve its delicate beauty, Venice has imposed a series of regulations that visitors must follow. For example, eating or drinking while seated on the ground is prohibited, as is sitting or lying on steps, monuments, bridges, or raised walkways. Violators can face fines ranging from 100 to 200 euros (roughly Rs 10,000 to 20,000).
Swimming or bathing in the canals is strictly forbidden, with penalties of up to 350 euros (Rs 36,000). Visitors are also banned from walking around in swimwear or going shirtless outside designated areas, which could result in a fine of 250 euros (around Rs 25,800). Additionally, feeding pigeons or seagulls can carry a fine between 25 and 500 euros (Rs 2,500 to 51,000). Even bicycles are restricted in Venice’s historic center, with a 100-euro fine (Rs 10,300) for riding or leading a bike through certain areas.
2. Rome, Italy: Safeguarding the Eternal City
Rome, with its rich history and iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, has introduced regulations to safeguard its cultural treasures. Tourists sitting on the famous Spanish Steps can be fined up to 400 euros (approximately Rs 41,000). Additionally, eating or drinking near major landmarks is prohibited. One of the most well-known rules: jumping into the Trevi Fountain can incur a fine of 500 euros (Rs 51,000), and repeat offenders may be banned from visiting the site for life.
3. Cinque Terre, Italy: Hiking with Care
Cinque Terre, known for its stunning coastal hiking trails, has made efforts to preserve both its natural beauty and ensure visitors’ safety. To protect the trails from damage, authorities require hikers to wear proper footwear, banning flip-flops, sandals, and other unsuitable footwear on certain routes. Fines for not complying can be as high as 2,500 euros (Rs 2.5 lakh).
4. Greece: Preserving Ancient Sites and Coastal Ecosystems
Greece is renowned for its ancient monuments and pristine beaches. However, the rise in tourism has led to the implementation of several protective measures. Visitors to protected beaches are prohibited from collecting shells or pebbles, with fines up to 1,000 euros (Rs 1.03 lakh) for offenders. To protect ancient ruins, high heels are banned at specific historical sites, with fines reaching 900 euros (Rs 93,000) for those who flout the rule.
5. Albufeira, Portugal: Promoting Respectful Behavior
Albufeira, a popular tourist destination along Portugal’s Algarve coast, has introduced a series of new rules under its “Stop Respect Relax” initiative to reduce public disturbances. Tourists are fined up to 1,500 euros (Rs 1.55 lakh) for wearing swimwear outside designated beach areas. Other offenses, such as public nudity, drinking alcohol in the streets, or cooking in public spaces, can result in penalties as well.
6. Spain (Multiple Locations): Tackling Sunbed Misuse
In Spain, popular beach destinations such as Barcelona and Costa Blanca have introduced a “sunbed tax” to address the misuse of beach loungers. Reserving sunbeds for extended periods or leaving belongings unattended can incur fines of up to 250 euros (Rs 25,000). Additionally, in the Balearic Islands, which include well-known spots like Mallorca and Ibiza, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, with fines as high as 3,000 euros (Rs 3.1 lakh) for violators.
7. Croatia: Protecting Dubrovnik’s Heritage
Dubrovnik, Croatia’s jewel on the Adriatic, is another destination where tourism regulations are being enforced to maintain the city’s integrity. Fines are imposed for various offenses, such as sleeping in public areas, climbing on monuments, and drinking alcohol near protected sites. Wearing swimwear or being shirtless in areas that are not designated for swimming or sunbathing is also penalized.
8. France: Smoking and Public Decency Regulations
France has made several changes to public behavior rules to safeguard the health and comfort of both residents and visitors. Smoking is banned in many outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, and bus stops, to protect children and non-smokers from secondhand smoke. Additionally, in several coastal destinations, walking around shirtless or in swimwear outside designated beach areas is prohibited.
A Global Response to Overtourism
These European regulations are part of a broader global effort to curb the negative impacts of overtourism. Other regions, including parts of Asia, are also introducing measures to protect local environments, cultures, and public order. For example, Jeju Island in South Korea has introduced guidelines to address tourist misbehavior, following in the footsteps of European destinations.
Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, and Croatia have introduced new tourist fines to tackle overtourism and protect local communities. These rules may affect your travel plans by restricting certain behaviors, making it essential to be aware of local regulations to avoid penalties.
As the number of global travelers continues to rise, respecting local rules and regulations becomes essential. These new fines are designed not only to protect the natural and cultural treasures of Europe but also to ensure that tourism remains sustainable for future generations. Travelers should make an effort to familiarize themselves with these rules before visiting popular destinations, ensuring they enjoy a smooth and respectful experience while contributing to the preservation of the places they love to visit. By following these guidelines, tourists help maintain the delicate balance between exploration and conservation, allowing the beauty of these destinations to be enjoyed for years to come.
