Popular holiday destinations in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Croatia are tightening rules regarding overly revealing clothing, so unprepared tourists may face hefty fines just for walking in public places wearing swimwear.
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Although wearing a bikini, swim shorts, or briefs by the pool or on the beach is completely normal, entering a city, store, or restaurant improperly dressed can be very costly.
Here is what you need to know about the rules that are causing more and more holidaymakers to receive fines.
Spain
The largest tourist areas in Spain are actively fighting against tourists walking around cities half-naked or holidaymakers wearing bikinis.
Majorca
If you are spotted wearing beachwear outside the beach or pool area, you can face a fine of up to 580 euros. The rules also apply to people walking shirtless in public places. Moreover, more and more restaurants clearly state that they do not admit customers in swimwear.
Barcelona
Walking the city streets wearing only swimwear can result in a fine of up to 300 euros.
Malaga
Leaving the beach and entering the historic city center improperly dressed can result in a 300 euro fine.
Italy
Italian authorities also respond strictly to what locals consider violations of public order and decency – especially when tourists come straight from the beach to have lunch.
Sorrento
Since 2022, it is forbidden to wear swimwear outside the beach or pool area here. Walking shirtless is also prohibited. Offenders face fines of up to 500 euros.
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Portofino, Positano, and Capri
These luxury resorts have also introduced similar rules – walking in towns wearing swimwear can result in fines of up to 500 euros.
Venice
In the historic city of canals, tourists walking shirtless or in beachwear are not tolerated. Offenders may be fined up to 250 euros.
Portugal
Portugal has also strengthened control over overly revealing clothing outside beaches.
Albufeira
Strict rules have been introduced in this popular party town in the Algarve region to combat inappropriate tourist behavior. Walking in public city areas wearing swimwear can result in fines ranging from 300 to as much as 1500 euros.
Croatia
Strict rules also apply to tourists on the Adriatic coast.
Dubrovnik
Tourists are prohibited from entering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town wearing swimwear or walking shirtless. Violating the rules can result in a fine of up to 700 euros.
Split
Walking the historic city streets improperly dressed can result in fines starting from 150 euros.
Hvar
On this popular party island, rules also prohibit walking shirtless or wearing only swimwear in public places. Offenders face monetary penalties.
Tourists are reminded that although beachwear is acceptable by the sea or pool, in many European resorts local authorities expect holidaymakers to wear regular clothes in city streets, stores, or restaurants.
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