Interesting facts from around the world: Tourists planning a European getaway in 2025 may need to pack not just sunscreen, but also extra cash, as several popular destinations roll out strict new rules and fines to combat overtourism and unruly behaviour. According to a New York Post report, authorities across Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, and other nations are introducing penalties, in some cases running into thousands of dollars, for seemingly small infractions like wearing flip-flops while driving, taking seashells from beaches, or walking in swimwear away from the shore.
From Beach Smoking Bans To Sunbed Rules
Spain is also among the toughest enforcers. Beach smoking in Barcelona, Costa del Sol, and the Balearics is now prohibited, with fines of up to 2,000 Euros (roughly Rs 1.94 lakh). Public urination in the ocean can cost up to 750 Euros, while leaving a towel to reserve a sunbed may result in a 250 Euros penalty. In Ibiza and Mallorca, public drinking may be fined 3,000 Euros, and being seen in swimwear off the beach is an offense. Driving in flip-flops, while not outright illegal, can lead to fines up to 200 Euros if police deem it unsafe.
Entry Fees And Selfie Restrictions
Italy’s Venice has imposed a daily entrance charge of between 5 Euros and 10 Euros in high season for day-trippers, with a 300 Euros fine for dodging it. Littering, swimming in canals, playing loud music on loudspeakers, or touring the city in groups is prohibited. Lingering over selfies in crowded spots in Portofino will result in a 275 Euros penalty, while removing sand or seashells from Sardinia’s natural reserves can earn a 3,000 Euros fine.
Portugal, France And Greece Tighten Rules
Portugal’s Albufeira fines tourists as much as 1,500 Euros for appearing in the town dressed in swimwear, and beachside loudspeakers can attract penalties of as much as 36,000 Euros. France is prohibiting smoking in outdoor public spaces, such as beaches and parks, from 1 July 2025. In Cannes and other Riviera resorts, appearing in bikinis outside the beach can attract fines of up to 38 Euros. Greece is charging 20 Euros cruise passenger taxes in Santorini and Mykonos for peak season. It can cost 1,000 euros to collect pebbles off beaches, and high heels are forbidden at archaeological sites such as the Acropolis.
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Other Nations Join The Crackdown
• Croatia: 150 Euros penalties for wearing swimwear in town; there are stringent regulations in Dubrovnik on eating, drinking, or ascending historic walls.
• Austria: Dashcams prohibited under privacy laws, fines of up to 25,000 Euros.
• Cyprus: Eating or drinking while driving can result in an 85 Euro fine.
• Germany: Offensive gestures while driving can cost 4,000 Euros.
• Iceland: Off-road driving fines up to ISK 500,000.
• Netherlands: Amsterdam bans smoking cannabis on Red Light District streets.
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Communities Want To Reclaim Space
“Locals are tired of it,” tourism advocate Birgitta Spee-Konig explained to New York Post. “Fines are a sign that communities need to take back space. It’s not that tourists are bad – it’s just that the tolerance has been exhausted,” he added. Spanish Tourism Office’s Jessica Harvey Taylor further explained the regulations are “about promoting responsible and considerate traveling” and “safeguarding the holiday experiences of the overwhelming majority of people who are responsible in their behavior. With Europe preparing for record-breaking visitors, the authorities are sending a strong message, travel respectfully or be prepared for the fallout.