An expert has shared a list of strange fines that tourists have been hit with in popular European holiday destinations – and some of them might surprise you
Portofino, Genoa, Liguria region, Italy(Image: Getty)
With youngsters returning to school, costs for early autumn breaks have finally started to fall and Britons are scrambling to secure a more affordable escape.
September and October represent some of the most budget-friendly periods to jet off, yet according to one specialist, there are concealed regulations overseas that could set you back hundreds of pounds if you’re not vigilant.
Chris Thomas from UK Private Investigators revealed some of the penalties he has witnessed issued to unwary Britons are so bizarre you wouldn’t credit them until you witness the fine yourself.
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Most individuals consider holiday troubles to be issues such as misplaced baggage or a postponed flight, but certain nations have regulations that will ensnare you without you even knowing it, Mr Thomas explained.
He commented: “These are not the obvious ones like speeding or parking in the wrong place. They are small, unusual things that can leave you hundreds of pounds out of pocket.”, reports the Express.
In September Italy bids farewell to its blistering summer and represents, for many, the optimal time to explore with pleasant temperatures and balmy waters.
Nonetheless, Britons should stay alert for concealed penalties.
The charming fishing settlement of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, southeast of Genoa, frequently features prominently on the wish list for European travellers.
Showcasing pastel-hued dwellings and upmarket boutiques, delectable seafood establishments border Portofino’s Piazzetta, a compact cobblestone square overlooking the marina, which is perpetually adorned with luxury yachts. However, if you are planning on visiting Portofino this month, save the barefoot strolls for the beach, Mr Thomas has cautioned.
From July until the end of September, local police will fine you up to £430 for walking around barefoot, wandering through the streets in swimwear, or even enjoying a picnic in the wrong spot.
“This rule was brought in to keep the area calm during the summer season,” the expert said.
“Tourists see it as harmless fun, but the local police do not. It is a quick way to lose a few hundred pounds for what you think is an innocent mistake.”
Italy is not the only European country to impose sneaky fines on unsuspecting tourists, either.
Spain has always been a popular destination for British travellers, but in places like Ibiza, Barcelona and Magaluf, picking up a shell on the beach could now cost you up to £900.
“It sounds ridiculous, but it is real. Beaches are protected and removing shells or stones is classed as damaging the environment. Every summer we hear from people who thought they were just taking home a little souvenir, only to be stopped by local officials and handed a fine.”
Meanwhile, in Tenerife, tourists have been slapped with fines of up to £855 for something as innocent as feeding pigeons in a public square.
Local authorities have banned feeding the birds because of hygiene and health risks, and they are not hesitant about enforcing it. Mr Thomas advised: “If you are on holiday in the Canary Islands, leave the bread at home. Feeding wildlife is a quick way to get an expensive lesson on local law.
“Every country has its own set of rules and some are not obvious until you are already in trouble. Before you travel, take ten minutes to check the local laws. It could save you hundreds of pounds and a ruined holiday.”