This famed Amalfi Coast town in Italy will fine you Rs 25k for taking too long to click photos!
Stopping for too long on the way to Amalfi Coast can attract a fine. Photo: Ananya Bhattacharya
Travellers from the world over have admired the beauty of Amalfi Coast in Italy. The coastline has been featured in a number of iconic films, like The Talented Mr Ripley. But there are a string of actions that can get you in trouble with the local authorities.
Bathing in the warm sun looking over turquoise blue waters and bright colourful villas on the cliff seems like a vivid dream. But as a tourist, you can get into trouble with the local authorities for the things you may not anticipate.
Get fined for stopping for too long!
- Positano, called the most popular town on the Amalfi Coast, has announced new rules restricting tourists from lingering at two of the most frequented spots.
- Mayor of Positano Matteo Viacava announced the rules and red zones to limit human traffic jams during peak season, mostly caused by tourists taking too long to snap a zillion pictures.
Where: Center of Portofino overlooking the sea - the area between Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta and the Calata Marconi quay, to the north and between the square and the public toilets of the Umberto I pier, to the south.
- Violation of the rule can attract a fine anywhere between 85 euros to 275 euros (Rs7,700 to Rs 24,778). The restriction is in place till October.
Positano is not the only town in Italy to impose some stringent and sometimes bizarre rules on the usual tourist behaviour.
Here are a few more rules you should keep in mind if you are going to Italy:
Odd-even vehicle arrangement at Amalfi Coast
- Amalfi Coast is just a little too popular nowadays, affecting normal commute.
- The throng of large and small tourist vehicles in the narrow single-lane path in the region has prompted authorities to issue new rules to manage congestion.
In case you ever wanted to know what it's like to drive the Amalfi coast. It's like driving Pacific Coast Hwy but with no RVs and no traffic laws. #Italy pic.twitter.com/PZn4evsmBy
— Elayne Animals & Comedy Boosler (@ElayneBoosler) September 24, 2021
- In 2022, authorities announced an alternate numberplate system on the famous 22-mile stretch between Vietri sul Mare and Positano.
- It means vehicles with odd-numbered plates can only access the stretch on odd-numbered days; and likewise, for even-numbered plates.
Bikinis and bare chests banned in Sorrento
- Another seaside town near Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, has banned inappropriate clothing in city centres.
- Wearing a revealing swimming costume like a bikini or walking around shirtless in the city centre can lead to a fine of 500 euros or Rs 45,000.
Wearing flip-flops
Winter hiking, Cinque Terre#cinqueterre#nationalpark #italy#trails#winecountry pic.twitter.com/xbpWD8OYAT
— Cinqueterre Trekking (@CinqueterreTrek) January 11, 2023
- Yes, you read that right. Wearing flip-flops can land you in trouble in one place in Italy. You cannot visit the Cinque Terre hiking trails wearing flip-flops over safety issues.
- The region's rescue teams have been inundated with so many cases of tourists getting injured while hiking because of bad footwear, that authorities have been forced to fine tourists hiking in flimsy sands anywhere between 50-2,500 euros (Rs 4,500 to Rs 2.25 lakh).
Building a sandcastle can cost Rs 23,000 fine
- While building a sandcastle on a beach seems like an innocent and fun act, the Italian town of Eraclea doesn't find them fun.
- In Eraclea, near Venice, building sandcastles on the beach is banned and can attract a fine of 250 euros or Rs 23,000. These sandcastles apparently "obstruct the passage".
Picnicking, eating and lingering banned!
One of the two absolutely glorious #fountains of Piazza Farnese, #Rome #FriFotos #travel pic.twitter.com/G4mOYStQRs
— Spanish Steps Apt (@SpanishStepsApt) November 7, 2014
- Picnicking in Venice is banned, grabbing a quick snack along the way to historical sites in Florence can attract a fine, and sitting on the famous Spanish steps in Rome can also get you into trouble.
It seems like a hefty list to remember as even the most well-intentioned tourist can make innocent mistakes. But you are most likely to be given fair warnings before you are fined; so don't get out there to behave like an entitled visitor and ruin your dream Italian vacation.