As Europe heads into peak summer tourism, popular destinations including Greece, Spain, Italy and France are sharpening rules aimed at preserving public order and easing pressure on locals. The article says many of the restrictions target street drinking, smoking on beaches, improper dress away from the sea, and even collecting shells or pebbles.
In France, several major cities, including Paris, ban drinking alcohol from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., including along the Seine riverbanks and on the French Riviera, according to the report. Taking shells from the beach can be treated as environmental damage and lead to a fine of €250.
Spain has some of the toughest rules. In most cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, drinking alcohol in the street is forbidden outside restaurants. Smoking and vaping are banned on balconies of bars and restaurants and in pools, with fines ranging from €30 to €2,000. In Barcelona, Malaga and Mallorca, walking around in a bikini or swimsuit is prohibited, with fines of up to €300. On many popular beaches, saving a spot with a towel is also banned, and authorities may confiscate items and fine offenders up to €3,000.
Italy has similar local restrictions. In Florence, eating outdoors is barred on some streets to reduce crowding, and electric scooters are banned in the city center. In Portofino, tourists walking the cobbled streets barefoot, in swimwear, or shirtless can be fined. In Cinque Terre, wearing flip-flops on hikes can cost €50 to €2,500, and drinking alcohol in the streets is strictly banned.
Greece also limits tourist behavior. High heels are banned at archaeological sites such as the Acropolis, street drinking is prohibited, and going shirtless in public can bring a fine of up to €300. The country has also banned sun loungers and umbrellas on 251 beaches, and where they are allowed, at least 70% of the sand must remain free of them.
