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Heading to Italy this summer? Wearing your swimwear on the street could cost you €200 in fines
Wearing swimwear on the street can now cost you up to €200 in parts of Italy. Find out where the rules apply and how to avoid a fine.
Strolling from the beach to the cafe in your swimsuit is harmless and a completely normal thing to do while on vacation, right?
Not anymore.
There is a growing trend among Mediterranean towns where leaving the beach or lake topless or in swimwear is forbidden. And many unexpected tourists are getting hit with fines up to €200 just for popping to get a coffee or ice cream in between sunbathing sessions.
If you’re heading to Italy this summer, here’s where you can’t wear swimwear on the street, how much you could be fined for doing so, and what to wear instead when leaving the beach.
What just changed on Lake Como
Varenna, a small town in Lake Como, recently hit the headlines by banning tourists from going topless or wearing swimwear away from the lakeside beaches. The local authorities announced that anyone spotted walking around the village not dressed appropriately would be fined up to €200.
They specified that it’s totally fine to be topless or in swimwear when you’re on a lakefront beach, pier, or boat dock. But you can no longer walk straight off the beach and into a restaurant or shop in your swimwear, or wander around the village without a top on.
This new rule is aimed at easing mass-tourism pressure on the small village, which has roughly 650 residents. It’s also to preserve the historic village’s appearance, keeping Varenna’s focus on its architecture and culture.
It is not just Lake Como: where else the rules apply
What many tourists don’t realize is that this Varenna rule is not a new or isolated law.
It is already in place in many other parts of Italy, including:
- Other towns around Lake Como
- Historic cities like Venice
- Popular beach towns in Sardinia and Sicily
- Along the famous Amalfi Coast, including in Positano and Sorrento.
Refreshing yourself on this local etiquette is one of the most important Italy travel tips. It ensures you remain respectful to the locals while helping you avoid any unexpected fines.
The rule isn’t limited to Italy though. Several French Riviera towns, some popular Croatian spots like Dubrovnik and Split, and various Spanish beach towns also now have comparable rules.
While the actual law and fines vary between cities and countries, the general consensus is that once you leave the seafront, you must put on clothing.
Here’s an overview of some of the popular European summer destinations that are currently enforcing this rule:
| Destination | The rule | Possible fine |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Como | No swimwear or bare chests off the lakeside | Up to €200 |
| Amalfi Coast | Swimwear banned in public squares and city streets | Historically up to €500 |
| Sicily | No swimwear or bare chests off the beach | Up to €500 |
| French Riviera towns | No walking through city streets in swimsuits | Varies by town |
| Spanish beach towns | No swimwear or bare chests in public streets or commercial zones. | Varies by town |
What actually counts as appropriate clothing
The general rule to remember is that swimwear is fine by the water, whether you’re on the beach or the lakefront. However, whenever you move into the town squares, or enter shops, restaurants, or cafes, you’ll need to cover up.
This could be putting on a top and a pair of shorts, but even a sundress or cover-up will work in most towns.
Bear in mind that if you’re entering a church or religious site, they tend to have stricter cover-up expectations. In these places, a crop-top, semi-transparent cover-up, or flip-flops are not sufficient. Typically, you’ll need to wear:
- A t-shirt that covers your shoulders
- Shorts or a skirt that extends to at least your knees
- Closed shoes
Luckily, you’ll likely have all these items already on your Italy packing list, making these regulations easy to comply with. Think about what you plan to do each day, and ensure you’re either wearing the clothing needed for the activity or have it in your day bag.
Planning around it before you go this summer
While this rule doesn’t apply to every European hotspot, more and more Mediterranean towns are enforcing it. So as part of your Europe trip planning, research the current rules of your destination before you go. Then once there, look out for and follow any local signage.
You may also be wondering, is it really as strict as it sounds?
At most of these summer destinations, there aren’t police standing guard at the beach ready to penalize unexpected tourists who step onto the pavement without a top on. However, if the police were to pass by while you’re wandering through the old town without appropriate clothing, they could stop and fine you.
You might see other people ignoring this rule and feel tempted to do the same, especially if there doesn’t seem to be any police presence. But as towns are actively enforcing this law this summer, a two-minute check could save you a €200 headache.
It’s also a matter of respect. Most locals welcome and embrace this regulation, so defying it can make you appear rude and disrespectful.
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Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of Search SEOul, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
