Varenna, a picturesque village on Lake Como, has enacted new regulations fining tourists who wander its streets in swimwear or with bare chests. The rule, which went into effect on June 27, mandates that individuals must be covered up, except when on beaches, piers, or boat docks.
The fines range from €50 to €200 (approximately $57 to $228) for violations. This measure aims to maintain the town's aesthetic appeal and ensure the tranquility of its 650 residents, who have expressed concern about the impact of mass tourism.
"Varenna is a wonderful village, and we are proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year," Varenna Mayor Mauro Manzoni told The Guardian. "However, our residents’ quality of life cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mass tourism."
Local shop owners have reportedly supported the dress code, emphasizing that while swimwear is acceptable at the beach, decent attire is required for shops, restaurants, churches, and public squares.
Beyond dress code enforcement, Varenna has also capped tour groups at 25 people. Guides using loudspeakers or any form of voice amplification face fines between approximately $105 and $490, with potential for multi-month bans.
These regulations align with broader efforts in Italy to curb overtourism and its effects. Similar measures have been implemented in other popular destinations such as Sorrento and Portofino. Sorrento, for instance, has introduced fines of up to €500 ($570) for tourists exposing too much skin in public areas, with its mayor citing that such behavior causes discomfort to residents and visitors alike.
Cities in other countries, including Barcelona and Mallorca in Spain, have also adopted ordinances restricting swimwear to beach and pool areas, imposing fines for violations in town centers.
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