Thanks to its mix of historic old towns, sandy beaches, and impressive monuments, Europe’s huge visitor appeal is undeniable.
However, with the increasing influx of tourists, many cities have implemented strict and often bonkers regulations to preserve their heritage and ensure public order against a growing anti-tourism sentiment.
If you’re planning a European adventure this summer, you’d better be on your best behaviour to avoid hefty fines and the scorn of local residents.
From fountain dipping in Venice to relieving yourself on Spanish beaches, here’s our guide on what not to do, to avoid breaking the bank while on holiday in Europe.
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Venice, Italy
Littering and love locks
Venice, famous for its canal waterways and rustic architecture, has strict regulations to maintain its beauty.
Littering is strictly prohibited, and careless tourists caught throwing trash, defacing property, or leaving ‘love locks’ on bridges can be fined hundreds of Euros.
Loitering and making hot beverages are also not tolerated. In 2019, two German tourists were fined €950 (£799) and asked to leave Venice after the cheeky visitors were caught making coffee on the steps of the historic Rialto Bridge.
Skipping the entrance fee
Day trippers to Venice who fail to pay the lagoon city’s controversial ‘entrance fee’ will face fines starting at 10 times the €5 (£4.20) ticket price. The entry price was brought in this year to protect the Unesco World Heritage site from the effects of excessive tourism.
Marbella, Spain
Public urination
After widespread reporting, Spanish city Marbella has had to clarify their new ‘weeing in the sea’ rules. Initial reports suggested that bathers relieving themselves in the pristine waters could be fined €750 (£631).
Bemused holidaymakers have questioned exactly how the new law would be policed though, prompting authorities to admit that the bonkers rule would only be applied to people who urinate into the sea from the shoreline.
Rome, Italy
Sitting on steps and splashing in fountains
Rome’s Spanish Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts thousands of snap-happy tourists who want to eat chill on the steps, eat ice cream, or take selfies.
However, stopping and sitting on these restored steps is now forbidden and can result in huge fines for unaware visitors. This strict regulation protects the magnificent marble steps from wear and tear caused by heavy local and tourist foot traffic.
Taking a dip in Rome’s historic fountains, such as the beautiful Trevi Fountain, is also a big no-no.
Offenders can face fines for an attempted swim, and thanks to recent offenders going viral on social media, City officials in Rome have even been considering installing protective barriers around the fountain to prevent damage and future bad behaviour.
Barcelona, Spain
Public Drinking and Dress Codes
Holiday hotspot Barcelona has recently hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Furious locals were snapped squiring dining tourists with water guns as a protest against over-tourism in the city.
The popular city has tried to curb poor visitor behaviour to try to appease frustrated locals and maintain order. Barcelona has now implemented strict regulations and fines for public drinking outside designated areas and urinating in public.
Hefty fines are also being handed out to anyone wearing swimwear or going topless in busy metropolitan areas away from the beach.
Portofino, Italy
Selfie bans
Portofino, a small seaside town on the gorgeous Italian Riviera, is another European hotspot that’s become fed up with selfie-stick-wielding visitors.
The peak summer season usually means thousands of tourists congregating in the colourful streets, blocking access as they stop and pose for pics.
To try and clear the clogged-up streets, Portofino’s mayor introduced no-waiting zones during this year’s summer months to help combat the problem.
Anyone caught hanging around on the quay for too long between 10:30 am and 6 pm now risks a fine.
Greece
Damaging Ancient Monuments and sand-stealing
Greece’s ancient monuments are protected by strict laws to prevent damage and preserve these fragile sites. Climbing on the Acropolis or removing historic artefacts can lead to fines and even imprisonment.
You should also think twice before scooping up that soft white sand to take home with you. It’s illegal for tourists in various Greek destinations to take items such as sand and pebbles home as souvenirs.
In Lalaria Beach in Skiathos, it is illegal for you to take pebbles home from the beach. If you do, you could be fined €900 (£771). In Sardinia, taking sand could cost you €3,000 (£2,569).
Malaga, Spain
Littering and urination
Malaga imposes heavy fines for littering and public urination, with penalties of up to €1,500 (£1,262). These measures help keep the city clean and pleasant for residents and visitors.
Inappropriate clothing
Thanks to a rise in the number of hen and stag parties in the city centre. Holidaymakers can now be hit with fines for walking around the city half-naked or with certain blow-up items.
In 2022, Málaga said it would slap fines of €750 (£631) for anyone wearing ‘inappropriate clothing in the streets’ and carrying inflatable dolls with ‘sexual connotations’.
Majorca
Booze bans and fake signs
In some touristy areas of the Balearic island of Majorca, out-of-control bar crawls, booze-heavy party boats, and the sale of alcohol between 9:30 pm and 8 am have all been prohibited in a bid to reduce drunken incidents from tourists.
Local activists have also erected fake warning signs, such as ‘closed beach’ and ‘warning jellyfish,’ at beaches across Majorca to keep English-speaking tourists away.
Portugal
Loud music and gatherings
In Portugal, raucous tourists playing loud music at many of the region’s popular beaches can be punished with whopping fines ranging from €200 (£168) to €36,000 (£30,299), depending on the group size and repeat offences.
New rules also limit the opening hours of bars, nightclubs, and cafes and prevent large crowds of tourists from gathering outside.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Public Cannabis Consumption and Disrespecting Monuments
While cannabis use is tolerated in Amsterdam, marijuana smoking outside of designated coffee shops is illegal and can result in hefty fines.
The crackdown is part of a broader “discouragement campaign” that targets young British travellers and encourages them to “stay away.”
Amsterdam also imposes fines for disrespecting monuments and historic sites. Activities such as climbing statues or damaging public property can result in a range of penalties.