Here’s what you need to know about Europe’s crackdown on tourist behavior—and how to keep your wallet intact.
Planning your European summer? Pack your patience along with your passport. From Barcelona to Berlin, cities across the continent are rolling out fresh restrictions, hefty fines, and surprising new rules that could turn your dream vacation into a budget nightmare if you’re not prepared.
With record-breaking tourist numbers expected this year, European destinations are stepping up their game to manage overtourism while preserving local culture and pristine environments. The result? A maze of regulations that range from common-sense courtesy to head-scratching specifics that could catch even seasoned travelers off guard.
Spain: Setting the (Strict) Standard
Spain isn’t messing around when it comes to tourist behavior. The country has introduced some of Europe’s most comprehensive—and expensive—tourist regulations.
Beach Blunders That’ll Cost You:
-Smoking on beaches (including Costa del Sol, Barcelona, and the Balearic Islands): Up to €2,000
-Vaping indoors: Same penalties as smoking, plus potential hotel fees if you trigger smoke detectors
-Public urination, even in the ocean: €750 in coastal towns like Marbella
-Reserving beach loungers and abandoning them: €250 in hotspots like the Canary Islands
Fashion Police in Action:
-Wandering city streets in swimwear: Fines vary by city
-Driving in flip-flops: Up to €200 if police deem them unsafe
-Party boat and pub crawl restrictions in Ibiza and Mallorca: Up to €3,000 for drunken behavior
Italy: La Bella Vita Comes with Rules
Italy’s tourism hotspots are feeling the squeeze, and they’re not shy about charging for it.
Venice’s New Reality:
-Daily entry fees: €5-€10 during peak periods for day visitors
-Skipping payment: €300 fine
-Swimming in canals, using loudspeakers, or joining oversized tour groups: Banned
Elsewhere in Italy:
-Lingering for selfies in Portofino: €275 fine
-Cliff diving at Lake Garda: €700
-Beach football: €600
-Walking around Sorrento in swimwear: €500
-Taking shells or pebbles from Sardinian beaches: €3,000
Portugal: Coastal Crackdowns
Portugal’s coastal areas are implementing strict behavioral guidelines:
-Walking around in swimwear: Up to €1,500
-Public nudity, street drinking, spitting, or public urination: Steep fines
-Using loudspeakers on beaches: €36,000 penalty
France: C’est la Vie (With Restrictions)
The French approach combines elegance with enforcement:
-Drinking alcohol in public spaces (like that romantic Seine-side picnic): €135
-Outdoor smoking ban starting July 1, 2025: €114
-Wearing skimpy swimwear away from beaches on the Côte d’Azur: €38
Greece: Ancient Rules for Modern Problems
Greek islands are implementing crowd control measures:
-Santorini and Mykonos cruise arrival caps: €20 per person during peak months
-Collecting pebbles or seashells: €1,000 fine
-Wearing high heels at archaeological sites like the Acropolis: €900
The Northern European Approach
Croatia: Split and Hvar are serious about decorum:
-Wearing swimwear (or underwear) in public: €150
-Public drinking in Hvar: €600
-Dubrovnik’s “Respect the City” initiative: Multiple restrictions with fines or criminal charges
Austria: Hallstatt has installed screens to discourage selfie crowding, and dashcams are largely illegal due to privacy laws: €25,000 penalty.
Netherlands: Amsterdam’s “Stay Away” campaign includes earlier bar closures, stricter group tour regulations, and resident lawsuits against high-traffic shops.
The Unexpected Offenses
Some regulations might surprise you:
Cyprus: Eating or drinking anything while driving, even water: €85 ($100)
Germany: Road rage expressions or gestures: €4,000
Iceland: Off-road driving: ISK 500,000
Switzerland: Littering or excessive nighttime noise: Immediate fines
Your Survival Strategy
Before You Go:
-Research specific regulations for each destination
-Budget for potential tourist taxes and entry fees
-Pack appropriate clothing for different city rules
-Download offline maps to avoid getting lost in restricted areas
While You’re There:
-Follow local dress codes religiously
-Respect quiet hours and noise restrictions
-Keep receipts for any tourist taxes paid
-Be extra mindful of photography rules and restrictions
-Remember that “everyone else is doing it” isn’t a valid defense
Money-Saving Tips:
-Book accommodation with tourist tax included upfront
-Travel during shoulder seasons when possible
-Choose destinations with fewer restrictions if you’re budget-conscious
-Consider travel insurance that covers fine payments
These new rules aren’t about punishing tourists—they’re about preserving the very attractions that make Europe magical. With overtourism threatening beloved destinations, these regulations aim to create a more sustainable and respectful travel experience for everyone.
The key is preparation. A little research before you go can save you from unwanted surprises and help you be the kind of traveler these beautiful destinations want to welcome back.
Twist’s Take: Europe’s new rules might seem overwhelming, but they’re actually doing you a favor by clearly spelling out expectations. Do your homework, pack your patience, and remember the best souvenir from your European adventure could be a clear conscience and a full wallet!