Heading To Europe? Stay Alert To Avoid Tourist Fines At These 8 Popular Destinations

Across Europe, some of the world's most popular tourist destinations are tightening rules for visitors. In recent years, many sought-after cities and towns have introduced strict codes of conduct backed by financial penalties. The aim is not only to protect fragile heritage sites, historic landmarks, and natural landscapes, but also to protect local communities from the pressures of overtourism. Authorities argue that careless behaviour by some travellers (ranging from crowding monuments to disrespecting cultural norms) can damage shared spaces for everyone and erode the quality of life for residents. These regulations serve as a reminder that tourism comes with responsibilities as well as pleasures.

If you're planning to travel to Europe soon, here are some rules and regulations at famous destinations that you need to be aware of:

'Tourist Fines' To Know About While Travelling To Popular European Destinations:

1. Venice, Italy

_{Tourist fines are common in Venice, Italy. Photo Credit: Pexels}

Eating or drinking while seated on the ground is not allowed in Venice. Sitting/lying down on steps, monuments, bridges, wellheads, or raised walkways is also prohibited, and violations can lead to fines of 100-200 euros (around Rs 10-20k). Swimming, diving, or bathing in the canals is strictly banned, as is littering in public areas. All of these actions carry penalties of 350 euros (approx. Rs 36,000). Moving around bare-chested or in swimwear outside designated areas can attract fines of 250 euros (around Rs 25,800).

Also Read: 10 Tourist Traps And Scams To Dodge On Your Next Europe Trip

Feeding pigeons or seagulls is not permitted. Penalties for the same range from 25 euros to 500 euros (from Rs 2.5k to Rs 51k, approximately). Bicycles - even when only led by hand - are forbidden in the historic centre of Venice. They can be carried by hand exclusively from Piazzale Roma to the Venezia Santa Lucia train station. Otherwise, bicycle usage attracts a 100-euro fine (approx Rs 10,300) in Venice.

2. Rome, Italy

Tourist fines are part of the rules for visitors in Rome, too. Photo Credit: Pexels

Rome is another popular Italian tourist destination that has several rules and regulations for visitors. Failure to comply can lead to steep penalties. For instance, sitting on the iconic Spanish Steps can result in fines up to 400 euros (approx Rs 41k). Additionally, eating or drinking around major landmarks of Rome is also prohibited. Jumping into the famous Trevi Fountain can carry fines up to 500 euros (approx Rs 51k), and violators could potentially be banned from the spot for life.

3. Cinque Terre, Italy

Tourist fines: Tourists can be fined for wearing flip-flops while hiking in Cinque Terre, Italy. Photo Credit: Pexels

Hiking trails in the area of Cinque Terre in northern Italy are well-known for their picturesque routes. However, challenging ones require proper footwear. As a safety measure, flip-flops, strappy sandals, sliders, open/smooth-soled footwear or other inappropriate footwear are banned on these trails. Visitors who do not comply can be fined up to 2,500 euros (approximately Rs 2.5 lakhs).

4. Greece

Tourist fines: Greece has banned high heels at certain historic sites. Photo Credit: Pexels

In order to safeguard delicate coastal ecosystems, Greece has prohibited people from collecting shells or pebbles from protected beaches. Violators can be fined up to 1,000 euros (around Rs 1.03 lakhs). Additionally, to preserve historic monuments from damage, high heels have been banned at specific sites. Those wearing such footwear can be fined up to 900 euros (approx Rs 93,000).

5. Albufeira, Portugal

Tourist fines: Albufeira, Portugal, has released a list of penalties for misbehaviour. Photo Credit: Unsplash

Wearing swimwear in non-beach areas in the popular coastal city of Albufeira in Portugal can lead to fines of up to 1500 euros (approx Rs 1.55 lakhs). Several other European cities have similar rules. As part of Albufeira's 'Stop Respect Relax' campaign, a list of common misbehaviours that will attract penalties has been released. Violations include partial/full nudity in public, drinking alcohol in the street, sleeping overnight and/or cooking in public areas, urinating/defecating in public, sitting on the ground, camping or setting up tents, abandoning shopping carts, excessive noise, etc.

6. Spain (multiple destinations)

Tourist fines: Drinking on the street is banned in Ibiza. Photo Credit: Pexels

Popular tourist destinations like Barcelona and Costa Blanca in Spain have introduced a so-called "sunbed tax." Spreading towels on beaches for extended periods, reserving sunbeds before a designated time and leaving belongings on sunbeds unattended can attract penalties up to 250 euros (approx Rs 25k). Additionally, the government of Spain's Balearic Islands (which includes hotspots like Mallorca and Ibiza) has banned drinking in public streets. Violators can be fined up to 3000 euros (approx Rs 3.1 lakhs).

7. Croatia

Tourist fines are levied for public misbehaviour in Croatia. Photo Credit: Pexels

In Dubrovnik in Croatia, fines can be levied for sleeping in public areas, drunk behaviour, climbing on top of monuments, urinating in public, drinking alcohol near protected public places, etc. Wearing swimwear/being shirtless in areas that are not beaches or pools can also attract penalties in certain spots in Croatia.

8. France

Tourist fines are levied for wearing swimwear in non-beach spots. Photo Credit: Pexels

Tourists in France should also know that smoking in many public outdoor spaces (including parks, beaches, bus stops, swimming pools, etc.) has been banned to protect children from passive smoke. At several coastal destinations, visitors are prohibited from wandering around shirtless or in swimwear.

Also Read: Norway To Introduce New Tourist Tax In 2026 To Curb Overtourism: All You Need To Know

It is not just Europe that is struggling under the burden of overtourism. Certain destinations in Asia are also seeing a massive surge in the number of visitors. Some places are implementing measures to safeguard local sensibilities, protect the environment and maintain public order. For instance, Jeju Island in South Korea recently issued special guidelines to tackle tourist misbehaviour. Read more about its possible 'tourist fines' here.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of penalties/fines in the above destinations. Additionally, the fine amounts mentioned are applicable as of the date of publication. Local regulations vary from place to place, and authorities may change/add rules and modify penalties at any time. As overtourism continues to remain a major problem, new/refreshed guidelines are constantly being issued. Always check official websites and tourism portals for complete up-to-date information about protocols and fees before you travel to a particular destination.