Italy remains one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, but anyone travelling to the boot this summer would do well not only to read up on the most beautiful beaches and sights. In more and more places, Italian authorities are introducing stricter rules to combat overtourism, nuisance, and damage to nature and heritage.
From Rome to Sardinia and from the Ligurian coast to Southern Italy: violations can quickly land you a hefty fine. And tourists are not the only ones bearing the brunt.
No more AirPods for lifeguards
One of the most striking new measures comes from the fashionable coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure, close to Portofino.
Lifeguards are no longer allowed to use smartphones for private purposes during their shifts. Answering WhatsApp messages, checking social media, or listening to music is prohibited from now on. Earbuds may also only be worn in one ear, so that lifeguards do not miss emergency signals.
The measure was introduced to prevent distractions during the supervision of swimmers. Anyone who does not comply with the rules risks a report to the professional organization and, in extreme cases, could even lose their certification.
‘Cafoni zeroin Salerno
Also in Salerno stricter action is being taken against nuisance. Under the motto cafoni zero (‘zero jerks’) is what the municipality wants to reduce noise, chaos, and nuisance in nightlife.
The focus is primarily on loud music on the street, overcrowded squares, and cars and motorcycles with modified, noisy exhausts. The city announces stricter controls and does not rule out fines or vehicle seizure.
It fits into a broader trend in which Italian cities are trying to find a balance between tourism, liveability, and the protection of historic centers.
Rome: zero tolerance at the Trevi Fountain
Anyone visiting Rome is likely familiar with the famous Trevi Fountain. The fountain attracts thousands of visitors daily, but the rules are strict.
Jumping into the water, wading, or swimming is prohibited. Offenders risk fines that can amount to hundreds of euros. Retrieving coins from the water is also prohibited. The authorities are actively monitoring to prevent damage to the monument.
Incidentally, earlier this year a entrance fee entered to get close to the Trevi Fountain. Our tip: go to the fountain at night and enjoy it in peace.
Sitting on the Spanish Steps?
Another well-known Roman rule applies to the Spanish Steps.
Since 2019, it has been forbidden to sit on the monumental staircase. The measure was introduced after the historic staircase had suffered for years from mass tourism, eating visitors, and discarded litter.
Tourists are of course still allowed to climb the stairs and take photos, but anyone who sits down may be spoken to or fined.
Sardinia protects its beaches
On Sardinia, the rules are perhaps the strictest of all.
Since 2017, it has been prohibited to take sand, shells, or stones from the beaches. The measure was introduced after tons of sand disappeared annually as souvenirs. Fines can amount to 3.000 euros or more. Customs actively checks for this at ports and airports.
Some beaches go even further. For instance, the famous La Pelosa beach has a daily visitor limit. Visitors must reserve in advance and are required to place a beach mat under their towel to prevent sand erosion.
At Punta Molentis, beachgoers between the ages of 10 and 65 are allowed this summer. no private parasol take more to the beach.
More rules due to overtourism
The stricter enforcement fits into a broader trend. Popular destinations – and Italy has quite a few of them – are trying to limit the consequences of mass tourism.
For example, Venice has already introduced an entrance fee for day-trippers, and in various Italian cities, rules apply regarding eating near monuments, feeding pigeons, or wearing unsuitable footwear on hiking trails.
In practice, little changes for holidaymakers as long as they behave normally. But a holiday in Italy nowadays also means paying attention to which local rules apply. Taking a photo is allowed almost everywhere, but taking a few shells or stones home or plopping down on a historical monument for a snack can make your holiday unexpectedly expensive.
Sources: Il Fatto Quotidiano, alanews.it, telegraaf.nl
