Britons preparing for a beach or pool trip to popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Croatia this summer should be aware of strict regulations in place to avoid potential fines.
In recent times, several vacation spots have implemented stringent dress codes for both residents and visitors, particularly concerning attire such as bikinis, pool cover-ups, and swim shorts.
The concern arises when individuals wear beachwear outside designated areas, like beaches or pools. For instance, Sorrento in Italy has prohibited wearing swimwear away from beach areas and pools since 2022, with violators facing fines of up to €500 (around £433).
While wearing swimwear within hotels, beach clubs, or beach areas is permissible, it becomes an issue when entering town centers, shops, or restaurants. Violating these rules could lead to penalties.
Various Spanish destinations have also imposed beachwear dress codes. Barcelona and Majorca enforce fines of up to £260 and £500, respectively, for wandering around town in beachwear away from main beaches and pools. Rules also extend to being shirtless in public areas and entering establishments in beach attire.
In Sorrento, the local community argues that the regulations aim to uphold decency in the area by discouraging visitors from wearing swimwear in public spaces. Similar restrictions with fines of up to €500 exist in Portofino, Positano, and Capri for those spotted in beachwear in town centers.
In Italy, Venice strictly prohibits walking around the historic city center in swimwear or without a top, with fines of up to €250. Albufeira in Portugal introduced new dress codes, including fines ranging from €300 to €1,500 for wearing swimwear outside designated zones.
Tourists in Dubrovnik, Croatia, are prohibited from entering the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town in swimwear or shirtless, facing fines of up to €700. Similar rules are in place in Split, with fines starting from €150.
On the island of Hvar, violations of new regulations incur fines for individuals walking around in swimwear or without a shirt in public areas.