Europe, with its blend of historic towns, sandy beaches and grand monuments, is a magnet for tourists across Great Britain, especially due to short-haul flight times.
However, as visitor numbers surge in Europe, many cities have introduced stringent rules to protect their heritage and maintain public order amid rising anti-tourism sentiment.
If you’re planning a European getaway this summer, it’s crucial to be on your best behaviour to avoid hefty fines and the anger of locals.
Some on-the-spot fines could cost you hundreds of pounds, which is most certainly going to leave a dent in your wallet or purse.Â
From dipping in Venetian fountains to relieving oneself in Spanish waters, here’s our guide to what not to do to keep your holiday budget intact.
Venice, Italy
Littering and love locks
Venice, renowned for its canal waterways and romantic sentiment, has strict rules to preserve the area, even if it seems a bit much.
While littering is strictly forbidden, which makes sense to keep the place looking pretty, leaving “love locks” on the bridges is considered to be vandalism.Â
If caught doing either one of those things, there could be a hefty fine going into the hundreds if you’re not considerate of the rules.Â
Loitering and making hot drinks are also frowned upon. In 2019, two German tourists were slapped with a €950 fine and asked to leave Venice after they were spotted brewing coffee on the steps of the historic Rialto Bridge.
Skipping the entrance fee
Day visitors to Venice who neglect to pay the city’s contentious “entrance fee”, which was introduced this year to shield the Unesco World Heritage site from the impact of excessive tourism, could also face fines starting at 10 times the €5 (£4.20) ticket price.
Marbella, Spain
Public urination
After a flurry of media coverage, the Spanish city of Marbella has been forced to clarify its new “weeing in the sea” regulations.
Initial reports suggested that swimmers who relieved themselves in the crystal-clear waters could face fines of €750 (£631).
However, puzzled holidaymakers have questioned how this new law would be enforced, leading authorities to concede the rule would only apply to those who urinate into the sea from the shoreline.
Rome, Italy
Sitting on stepsÂ
Rome’s Spanish Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws thousands of tourists eager to relax on the steps, enjoy an ice cream, or snap a selfie.
But stopping and sitting on these restored steps is now prohibited and can result in hefty fines for unsuspecting visitors. This stringent rule protects the magnificent marble steps from the wear and tear caused by heavy local and tourist footfall.
Taking a dip in Rome’s historic fountains, such as the stunning Trevi Fountain, is also strictly off-limits. Those who flout the rules can face fines for attempting to swim, and due to recent offenders gaining notoriety on social media, city officials in Rome are even contemplating installing protective barriers around the fountain to prevent damage and future misdemeanours.
Barcelona, Spain
Dress codes
Barcelona, a beloved holiday destination, has recently been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Outraged locals have been photographed squirting water guns at dining tourists in protest against over-tourism in the city.
The popular Spanish city has taken measures to control unruly visitor behaviour in an attempt to placate disgruntled locals and maintain order.
Barcelona has now enforced stringent rules and penalties for public drinking outside designated areas and public urination. Hefty fines are also being issued to individuals wearing swimwear or going topless in bustling metropolitan areas away from the beach.
Selfie bans
Portofino, a quaint seaside town on the stunning Italian Riviera, is another European hotspot that’s grown weary of visitors brandishing selfie sticks.
The peak summer season typically sees thousands of tourists flocking to the vibrant streets, obstructing access as they halt to strike a pose for photos.
In an effort to unclog the congested streets, Portofino’s mayor introduced no-waiting zones during this year’s summer months to tackle the issue. Anyone found loitering on the quay for an extended period between 10:30am and 6pm now faces a fine.
Greece
Sand-stealing
Greece’s ancient monuments are safeguarded by strict laws to prevent damage and conserve these delicate sites. Climbing on the Acropolis or removing historic artefacts can result in fines and even imprisonment.
Holidaymakers should also think twice before pocketing that soft white sand as a souvenir. In various Greek destinations, it’s illegal for tourists to take items such as sand and pebbles home.
At Lalaria Beach in Skiathos, taking pebbles could land you with a hefty €900 (£771) fine. Meanwhile, in Sardinia, the cost of taking sand could be as high as €3,000 (£2,569).
Portugal
Music ban
Portugal has its own rules regarding loud music and gatherings. In Portugal, rowdy tourists blasting loud tunes on the region’s beloved beaches could face eye-watering fines from €200 (£168) to a staggering €36,000 (£30,299), based on the size of the group and whether they are repeat offenders.
The country has also introduced new regulations that curtail the operating hours of bars, clubs, and cafes, in a bid to prevent hordes of tourists from congregating outside.
Netherlands
Over in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the city is known for its liberal attitude towards cannabis, but lighting up outside designated coffee shops is a no-go, with hefty penalties awaiting those who flout the rules.
This clampdown is part of a wider “discouragement campaign” aimed particularly at young Brits, effectively telling them to “stay away”.
Moreover, Amsterdam is getting tough on those who show disrespect towards monuments and historic sites. Engaging in acts like climbing statues or vandalising public property could see wrongdoers facing various fines.