New rules and fees that tourists in Europe should prepare for this year

Madrid, June 7 - Tourists planning a holiday or even a trip to Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Croatia, Portugal or the Netherlands this year should check in advance what measures are in place in their destination. From day trip fees in Venice, Italy, to an alcohol ban in Mallorca and smoking restrictions in Paris, countries across the continent are tightening rules to protect their infrastructure, cultural heritage and quality of life.

Spain remains one of the world's top tourist destinations thanks to its warm and sunny climate, 5,000 kilometres of coastline and food and wine. As Euronews reported, a record 94 million tourists visited Spain in 2024 - ten percent more than in 2023.

It is no wonder, then, that local authorities are trying to make tourism sustainable, especially in places like Barcelona, Málaga and Ibiza. In Catalonia, the tourist tax is expected to increase to 15 euros (about 370 crowns) - and Barcelona is adding its own fee of 6.75 euros for five-star hotels. Cruise ships are now restricted from entering Barcelona, and short-term rentals are to be completely abolished by 2030. And the popular bus line to Park Güell is out of the question - it has been removed from tourist maps.

In Malaga, local authorities have banned new car rentals in 43 neighborhoods and imposed a fine of 750 euros for walking around the city center without a shirt. In Ibiza and Mallorca, meanwhile, they have imposed a strict ban on the sale of alcohol in stores between 9:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. Drinking alcohol on the streets? It can cost up to 3,000 euros.

Italy has also decided to start fighting against excessive tourism, deploying such "weapons" as entrance fees, restrictions on the number of people in tour groups and selfie zones.

Venice charges tourists who come for a day trip a fee of five euros if they book in advance and ten euros without. Anyone who tries to avoid the fee faces a fine of up to 300 euros. The city has also banned guides from using megaphones, limited the size of tourist groups to 25 people, and banned swimming in the canals - breaking the rule is punishable by a fine of 1,000 euros.

In Portofino in northern Italy, it's not about what you do, but how long you do it. Taking too long to take a selfie on the waterfront can result in a fine of 270 euros. In Sorrento, walking around in a swimsuit anywhere other than on the beach or around the pool can result in a fine of up to 500 euros. Rome is just as strict, with strict dress codes, a ban on eating near monuments, and a crackdown on hanging "love locks" on bridges.

Some Italian places have decided to avoid an excessive influx of visitors. As Forbes reports, Pompeii is limiting the number of tourists to 20,000 per day this year. In Rome, the Colosseum is only allowed to have a maximum of 3,000 visitors at any one time. Sardinian beaches now require advance reservations via an app, and places like Tuerredda Beach will only allow 1,100 visitors per day.

In France, authorities are increasingly asking visitors to be more respectful. While a wine and cheese picnic in a Parisian park or by the Seine may seem very romantic, drinking alcohol is prohibited in many public places, so visitors should check the rules beforehand. If caught, the fine can be as high as 135 euros.

Several cities on the Côte d’Azur have banned revealing swimwear outside the beach, including Cannes, where walking around shirtless or in a bikini can result in a fine of up to 38 euros, and even a smart beach cover-up won’t help.

A new ban on smoking outdoors will come into effect in France from July 1. It will apply to beaches, parks, public gardens, bus stops and sports fields. Smoking will still be allowed in outdoor cafes and bars, and the ban does not apply to vaping - for now, writes Travel and Tour World.

Greece has also decided to set clear boundaries, especially when it comes to historical monuments and picturesque islands. The Acropolis can now only be visited by 20,000 people a day. Going to the Acropolis in high heels? Better not, the fine for damaging the marble can reach up to 900 euros, Forbes wrote.

On the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, cruise ship visitors must now pay a fee of 20 euros. On Santorini, a limit of 8,000 visitors per day for cruise ships has been set. And be careful not to pick up shells or pebbles - fines can reach up to 1,000 euros. And at least 70 percent of public beaches must remain free of commercial sun loungers.

Croatia is also taking steps to curb unruly tourist behavior and reduce crowds, especially in its most popular resorts. In Split, it is strictly forbidden to walk around the historic center in a swimsuit, or worse, in your underwear, and you could be fined up to 150 euros. In nearby Hvar, drinking alcohol in public can result in a fine of up to 600 euros, and it is supposed to be quieter at night - outdoor noise cannot exceed 85 decibels, roughly the sound of a busy restaurant.

In Dubrovnik, one of Europe's most visited destinations, local officials have launched a campaign called Respect the City, targeting everything from excessive crowds to inappropriate behavior. Only two cruise ships can now dock in the city per day. Eating or drinking near cultural monuments can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to 700 euros and, in extreme cases, legal action. Souvenir stalls have been closed, the number of seats in cafes has been reduced and taxi services have been limited. The aim is to create a quieter and livelier city for both locals and tourists.

Portugal has introduced the highest fines for inappropriate behavior in public. This country is famous for its relaxed beach towns, but tourists should not confuse a relaxed atmosphere with loose morals. In Albufeira, people caught wearing a swimsuit in the city, but not on the beach, can be fined up to 1,500 euros. Nudity in public? Even more. And if someone brings a loud speaker to the beach, they must prepare for high fines - up to 36,000 euros for disturbing the peace.

Authorities are also cracking down on drinking in the street, spitting and urinating in public. This is not just a matter of etiquette - it is a serious public order issue, and enforcement is stricter than ever, Forbes wrote.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has already shaken off its reputation as a party city and wants the world to know it. After previous campaigns targeting noisy tourists failed, the city has taken stricter measures. Smoking marijuana will be banned from the streets of the red light district by 2025. Big ocean liners? A ban on docking in the city center. That alone will reduce the number of tourist arrivals by more than 270,000 a year.

People are supposed to have a quiet time. Bars are now closing earlier, new restrictions are in place on boat parties, and guides must follow stricter rules when leading large groups. Since last year, there has even been an online quiz called The Rules of Amsterdam, which is designed to make visitors think about their behavior before they set off.

Germany has joined the ranks of countries cracking down on noisy tourists, and cities like Berlin are increasingly enforcing noise ordinances and bans on public drinking in neighborhoods that have already had enough of party tourism. Bad behavior behind the wheel can be very expensive in Germany. Shouting insults or making rude gestures at other drivers or the police while driving is considered "road rage" and can result in a fine of up to 4,000 euros.

And when it comes to driving - eating or drinking anything while driving in Cyprus, including drinking from a water bottle, is illegal and carries a fine of 85 euros. It is considered a distraction to the driver, and local police enforce this regulation, Forbes wrote.

Czech Press agency | WT.24