Varenna, a picturesque village on Italy's Lake Como, has implemented a new regulation requiring tourists to cover up when walking through town. Visitors found shirtless or wearing only swimwear outside of designated beach areas, piers, or boat docks now face fines ranging from approximately $57 to $228 (or €50 to €200).
The measure is intended to address the impact of overtourism on the small community. Varenna spans about 4.85 square miles and has a population of 646 residents, highlighting the strain that large visitor numbers can place on local life. Mayor Mauro Manzoni stated that while the village is proud to welcome visitors, "our residents’ quality of life cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mass tourism."
The new rules have drawn mixed reactions online. Some social media users have expressed support for the policy, with comments like "Their town, their law" and "I wish more places would do this." Others have noted that while dress codes in public areas are not uncommon in Europe, the imposition of fines is a more significant development.
This action by Varenna follows a similar initiative in the French seaside resort of Les Sables-d'Olonne, which reminded locals and tourists in 2025 that walking around town topless or in swimwear was prohibited. The mayor of that town cited a need for "respect for locals who don’t want people wandering around their town half-naked."