A packed beach in Tropea, Calabria. As tourism surges, popular European destinations like Italy are introducing new rules, laws, bans and fines to control crowds.
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Are you heading to Europe this summer? Think carefully before illuminating a cigarette on the beach or taking a shirtless walk along the boardwalk. Many destinations are cracked as visitor numbers are projected to surge in 2025 to record levels. The list of European travel rules and what could get you into trouble is growing, with new bans, fines and restrictions that could cost hundreds (if not thousands) of euros.
Some of the new rules are dramatic, including banning music on the beach, banning drinking in certain public areas, and limiting selfies in both villages. In some countries, you can even be fined for wearing a flip-flop while driving (though technically not illegal).
It's all part of a growth movement to fight overtourism at a moment when tension is boiling. In April and May, anti-tourism protests erupted throughout Spain, from Madrid to Mallorca to the Canary Islands. And on June 15th, activist groups will hold massive protests in several countries, including marching, picketing at airports and tour bus blockades.
So, before heading out on that dream European vacation, research the rules wherever you go. From new rules and fines to amazing rules that have been quietly featured in books for years, it's a small sample of what you need to know.
Crowd of Barcelona tourists Rambla. Spain introduced strict new rules this summer, ranging from beach bans to fines for walking around swimsuits.
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Spain
Spain is leading the charges when it comes to regulating tourism behaviour. This summer, the rules will be tougher than ever before, especially when it comes to beaches. Dozens of coastal towns, including Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and the Costa del Sol spots, will ban smoking on the beaches, and fines will be fined up to 2,000 euros (approximately $2,260 based on publication date conversion). In some areas, fines can be administered up to 250 euros (approximately $283) to disappear for hours after booking a sunbed.
Public urination – yes, and even peeing in the ocean – is a crime punishable in places like Marbella and Vigo, with a fine of 750 euros (about $848). And be careful what you wear. Cities like Malaga and Barcelona have fined them for walking around in their swimsuits when they're not on the beach.
The rules don't stop even if you leave the sand. Spanish authorities are targeting tourists behind the wheels. Driving on a flip-flop is not expressly illegal, but if the police determine that your footwear is unsafe, they can fine up to 200 euros (about $226).
And be aware that we'll show you your party: in hot spots such as Mallorca, Ibiza and the Canary Islands, authorities are tightening up wild tourism with many strict new measures. Pub crawls and party boats are banned at the infamous Nightlife Hub, but public drunks can result in fines of up to 3,000 euros (about $3,390).
Tourists gather at the Trevi Fountain in Rome at sunset. With overtourism increasing, Italy has cracked down on admission fees, dress codes and sudden fines for unruly behaviour.
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Italy
Italy's most iconic destinations continue to inflict enforcement as they continue to create tension on popular sites. This is not as obvious as Venice. Venice began charging a fee to enter the city if you booked in advance for 10 euros (about $11.30) for your arrival the day before. (Visitors with hotel bookings will be exempt.) Tourists captured without evidence of paying fees will be fined up to 300 euros (approximately $339). The city also bans speakers, large tour groups and swimming in iconic canals and can be fined 1,000 euros (about $1,130).
Other Italian towns are also cracking down on bad tourism behaviour. In certain zones in Portofino, fines can be administered up to 275 euros (about $300) to take selfies and maintain pedestrian flow. At Lake Garda, police fined tourists up to 700 euros (about $763) for jumping off a cliff and swimming in dangerous areas.
Dress codes are another hot topic. Sorrento's coastal towns offer up to 500 euros (approximately $545) roaming swimsuits across beaches and pool areas.
Some hotspots are trying to avoid crowds. Pompeii limited visitors to 20,000 per day in 2025. In Rome, the Colosseum has a limit of 3,000 visitors at any time, and scammers who sell tickets are fined (be careful who to buy from).
Picnics along the Seine in Paris may look idyllic, but alcohol is prohibited in many public areas.
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France
In France, authorities are increasingly urging visitors to show a little more respect. Take Paris. While it may look like a tres romantic while having a wine and cheese picnic along the park or along the Seine, drinking is prohibited in many public areas, so check the rules. If you are caught, the fine can reach 135 euros (about $153).
In France, the fashion police are genuine. Several towns along the Cote Jours have banned excessive revealing of swimsuits away from beaches, including Cannes. If you are walking in a shirtless body or in a bikini, you will be fined up to 38 euros (about $43).
Sunset crowd in Castro, Oia. With the number of visitors rising rapidly, Greece is closing the arrival of cruise ships and introducing new tourism rates to ease overtourism on islands like Santorini.
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Greece
Greece is serious about protecting cultural landmarks and natural beauty. Starting this summer, cruise passengers riding in Santorini or Mykonos between June and September will face 20 euros (about $23) per person. The islands also restrict cruise arrivals. Santorini is now closing daily cruise visitors at 8,000, making overtourism easier.
Greece also implements beach preservation rules, requiring that 70% of public beaches remain free of sunbeds. Forget to bring souvenirs back from nature. In many parts of the country, collecting shells and pebbles from beaches is illegal, with fines of 1,000 euros (about $1,130).
There are also race and field rules. Wearing high heels in archaeological places is prohibited and fines up to 900 euros (about $1,017) to prevent damage to fragile, ancient surfaces. The Acropolis is also trying to avoid crowds with 20,000 visitors per day, in addition to timing entry tickets.
Tourist crowds The old town of Dubrovnik has long been an influence. Croatia introduced cruise ship caps, reduced taxi numbers and imposed fines to help with a calm recovery.
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Croatia
Croatia is cracking down on unruly behaviour and crowd control, especially at its most popular summer hotspot. In Split, swimsuits roaming historic city centre, or worse, underwear is strictly prohibited, with fines of up to 150 euros (about $170). The rules will be even stricter for nearby HVARs. There is a new quiet time, and visitors can be fined 600 euros (approximately $678) on the spot for drinking in public places
Meanwhile, Mayor Dubrovnik is one of Europe's most hanged places and is being pushed back in a great way. There were only two cruise ships that could be docked in the city per day, souvenir stands closed, cafe chairs reduced, and taxi services were reduced. the goal? A calmer, more livable city – both locals and tourists.
A busy beach day in Albafeira, Portugal. As tourist numbers skyrocket, these coastal towns have implemented stricter rules.
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Portugal
Portugal is cracking down on unruly behaviour, especially in coastal hotspots like Albafeira. Tourists will be fined 1,500 euros (approximately $1,695) for walking around town in swimsuits. The rules also cover street drinking, public urination and spitting.
Noise is also occurring in Portugal. Currently, large volumes of speakers are banned on many beaches and are subject to eye-opening fines of up to 36,000 euros (about $40,680). In some areas, bar times are reduced to reduce late-night disruptions. And in Sintra, protests by locals have officials considering restrictions on hotel development to maintain the town's historic charm.
A crowded scene of the IJ River in Amsterdam. As overrhythms skyrocket, the Netherlands has introduced stricter rules regarding boat parties, group tours and cannabis use to protect the quality of life in the city.
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Netherlands
Amsterdam is cracking down on tourism in a big way. The city's “Stay Away” campaign is targeting party participants and warns them not to come. Smoking cannabis on the streets of the Red Light district is currently prohibited, bars close earlier and group tours face more stringent restrictions. Boat parties have new rules regarding noise and alcohol. New hotel developments are prohibited. Locals are suing the famous Tiktok store. The message is clear: respect the city or stay home.
Tourists flock to Lakeside Street in Hallstat, Austria. The town has temporarily set up a “selfie fence” to reduce crowds from a popular perspective.
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Austria
Austria is also turning the meeting over. I thought it had an impact on Disney's freeze in the mountain town of Hallstat, but a temporary “anti-self” fence was set up to stop the crowds from overwhelming the town's famous lake views. And there are lesser known rules. If you're doing a road trip in Austria, leave that dash cam at home. They are largely banned in Austria due to privacy laws, and using one could lead to a fine of 25,000 euros (about $28,250).
Rave the Planet, Berlin's famous techno parade, attracts large crowds every summer. However, with noise complaints rising, authorities are enforcing stricter rules to curb violent tourism behaviour.
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Germany
In Germany, bad behavior behind the wheel can cost you. Screaming insults or rude gestures while driving (even other drivers and police) is considered “road rage” and can result in a fine of up to 4,000 euros (about $4,520). The country is also cracking down on violent tourism behaviour in cities like Berlin. There, noise ordinances and public drinking bans are increasingly enacted in neighborhoods tired of party tourism. And beware of the J-Walk: it's illegal.
A crowd of tourists crosses Prague's iconic Charles Bridge. As visitors numbers skyrocket, the city is cracking down on pub crawls, beer bikes and late-night parties to maintain its historic nucleus.
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Czech Republic
Prague is trying to abandon the party's image of the capital. The city has banned beer bikes, limited noise in historic areas, cracking down on pub crawls, public drinking, and partying for wild singles and singles. Bars are even facing fines if they serve already toxic tourists.
Cyprus coastal road overlooking the sea. Local governments implement lesser known driving rules, such as fines for violations (eating and drinking behind the wheels (even water)).
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Cyprus
This is amazing. Eat or drink something while driving in Cyprus – including a water bottle – is against the law and can be fined 85 euros (about $96). It is considered a distraction, and local police are enforcing it.
Off-road driving is prohibited in Iceland to protect vulnerable environments. Violators face sudden fines.
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Iceland
Iceland has ample tourists trampling on its vulnerable landscape. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited and could result in fines up to ISK 500,000 (approximately $3,600). If you ignore the rules, you can pay literally and environmentally.
Perfect for Swiss photography, the scenery is equipped with strict protection. Rubbish and noise violations can result in on-site fines to maintain peace.
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Switzerland
Switzerland is picture-perfect and for a reason. The country has strict rules to maintain its untouched environment. Scattering can result in on-site fines, and can result in large penalties for being noisy late at night and leaving trash in public areas. In Zermatt, the town does not include cars and gasoline vehicles are prohibited to reduce pollution. Electric taxis are standard. And remember: wherever you are heading, make sure you are speeding up the latest European travel rules, or take the risk of paying the price.
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