- From strict smoking bans to fines for… flip-flops, Europe’s popular tourist destinations are taking steps to curb visitor misbehavior and protect local ecosystems.
With Europe expecting record numbers of visitors in 2025, many cities and popular tourist destinations are enacting strict rules aimed at tackling overtourism and protecting culture and the environment. The new regulations range from relatively mild guidelines to surprises that could cost careless travelers dearly.
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting and unusual rules in force in Europe this year, as compiled by travelpulse.com
Spain: Fines for cigarettes, flip-flops and… public urination
Spain is leading the way with some of the toughest tourist regulations. Smoking is now banned on many beaches, including the Costa del Sol, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, with fines of up to 2,000 euros. Even e-cigarettes can lead to sanctions.
In coastal towns, public urination – even in the sea – can result in fines of up to 750 euros, while “holding” a sunbed without being present can be punished with a fine of 250 euros. Inappropriate attire, such as driving in a swimsuit or wearing flip-flops, can also cost up to €200. In nightclubs in Ibiza and Mallorca, excessive behavior is now punishable by fines of up to €3,000.
Italy: Venice ticket, selfie bans, and strict dress code
Italy is facing its own wave of overtourism. In Venice, visitors without a hotel reservation pay an entrance fee of €5 to €10, while failure to pay can result in a fine of €300. In Portofino, a long selfie stand can cost €275.
In Sorrento and Sardinia, walking around in a swimsuit or collecting shells from protected beaches can result in fines of between 500 and 3,000 euros. Even the choice of footwear can be costly: heels are banned at archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Acropolis.
Portugal: Fines for noise pollution and inappropriate appearance
In Portugal, walking around in a swimsuit in cities such as Albufeira can cost up to 1,500 euros, while drinking or spitting on the street also carries fines. Using loudspeakers on beaches can lead to outrageous fines of up to 36,000 euros.
France: Bans on smoking and drinking on the streets
France is tightening regulations in public places. Smoking is banned from July 1, 2025, on beaches, parks, and near schools with a fine of 114 euros. In Paris, drinking alcohol in public can lead to a fine of 135 euros. Even wearing revealing swimwear in cities like Cannes is punishable by fines.
Greece: Fewer sunbeds, fines, and restrictions on cruises
Santorini and Mykonos are limiting cruise arrivals and introducing a 20-euro “green fee”. 70% of Greek beaches must remain free of sunbeds, while collecting stones and shells is punishable by fines of up to 1,000 euros. Heels are banned on monuments like the Acropolis.
Croatia: End to bad behavior
In Split and Hvar, driving in a swimsuit on the streets or drinking alcohol in public can lead to fines of 150 to 600 euros. Dubrovnik has implemented the “Respect the City” program, with bans on eating or drinking near monuments.
Other countries with strict measures:
Austria: Car dashboard cameras are banned, with fines of up to 25,000 euros.
Cyprus: Eating or drinking at the wheel is prohibited – even water can lead to a fine of 85 euros.
Czech Republic (Prague): Ban on beer bikes, public drinking, and rowdy bachelor parties.
Germany: Road rage and offensive gestures can cost up to 4,000 euros.
Iceland: Off-road driving is banned with fines of up to 500,000 ISK (about $4,100).
Netherlands (Amsterdam): Smoking cannabis is banned on the streets of the Red Light District.
Switzerland: Strict environmental regulations and a ban on petrol-powered vehicles in Zermatt.
Europe’s message to visitors
As the backlash against overtourism grows, European cities are sending a clear message: respect the places you visit or face the consequences. Rules that were once ignored are now being strictly enforced, with violators being made to pay—literally—for their behavior.
