Italy Joins Spain, France, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and Others in Managing Overtourism by Implementing Strict Tourism Regulations and Restrictions Across Europe, Including Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Athens, Amsterdam, Palma, and Other Key Destinations

Published on December 16, 2025

Italy has joined Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, and other European countries in managing overtourism by enforcing strict tourism regulations across key destinations like Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Athens to preserve local life. With tourism numbers skyrocketing in iconic cities, these countries are taking proactive steps to balance the needs of residents with those of tourists. Italy, for example, has introduced measures such as short-term rental bans in historic areas, restrictions on outdoor dining structures, and fines for disruptive behavior. Similarly, other European hotspots are adopting regulations aimed at controlling overcrowding, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainable tourism. As these measures take shape, Europe is setting a new standard for managing the pressures of mass tourism while safeguarding the charm and integrity of its most beloved cities.

Italy: Preserving the Timeless Charm of Its Cities

Italy is renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes, and now it’s introducing new rules to safeguard these treasures. Florence, for example, has imposed a ban on short-term rentals in its historic center to ensure affordable housing for locals. Rome is cracking down on inappropriate tourist behavior, banning shirtless visitors and love padlocks on bridges. Additionally, Portofino has implemented a fine for tourists causing congestion, while Florence is taking steps to limit outdoor dining structures in UNESCO World Heritage areas. Italy is all about maintaining a perfect balance between tourism and local life.

Spain: Striking a Balance Between Tourism and Local Life

Spain is introducing various measures across its cities to manage the pressures of tourism while safeguarding local living conditions. In Malaga, new holiday rental registrations will be prohibited in 43 districts, ensuring that housing remains available for locals. Ibiza has restricted cruise ships by limiting the number that can dock at the same time. Meanwhile, Menorca has set specific hours for tourist access to private properties to reduce disturbances for residents, and Barcelona is preparing for a chartered bus ban to curb the impact of large tourist groups.

France: Balancing Tourism with Preservation

France is focusing on limiting the environmental and cultural impact of tourism in its most iconic cities and regions. In Paris, there are regulations aimed at managing the influx of tourists, especially in areas like Montmartre and the Seine River banks, where crowding can be an issue. In addition, the French government has taken steps to limit the development of short-term rentals in key tourist areas, aiming to protect the availability of long-term housing for locals.

Greece: Managing Tourist Flow at Iconic Sites

Greece is taking measures to protect its most visited attractions from overwhelming crowds. The Acropolis in Athens now has a visitor cap of 20,000 per day, requiring tourists to pre-book their entry slots. This not only helps with crowd control but ensures that the cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. Greece’s thoughtful regulations ensure that visitors enjoy the historical sites while maintaining a respectful approach to the preservation of these wonders.

Netherlands: Managing the Overflow of Tourists

The Netherlands is enforcing rules to better manage the flow of tourists, particularly in Amsterdam. The city has imposed a ban on new hotels to curb the over-saturation of visitors, which also helps to maintain a manageable tourism load. Additionally, Amsterdam has implemented a ban on large cruise ships docking at its main port, addressing concerns about environmental impact and congestion. The focus is on preserving the quality of life for locals while ensuring that tourism remains sustainable.

Croatia: Respecting the City’s Rich Heritage

Croatia has introduced a series of behavioral bans to preserve the dignity of its historic cities. In Dubrovnik, tourists can face fines for wearing inappropriate attire like swimwear in the historic city center. Meanwhile, Prague is addressing the disruption caused by outrageous stag/hen costumes and rowdy pub crawls. Both cities aim to ensure that tourism doesn’t tarnish the beauty and cultural heritage of their iconic destinations.

Portugal: Ensuring Order and Respect in Tourist Areas

Portugal is actively cracking down on unruly behavior in tourist hotspots. In places like Palma (Mallorca) and Albufeira, fines for public drunkenness, noise, and disorderly conduct are on the rise. This is part of an effort to keep the atmosphere of these iconic locations peaceful and welcoming. With stricter enforcement of rules, Portugal aims to protect its residents while still offering a great experience for responsible tourists.

Italy has joined Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, and other European countries in managing overtourism by enforcing strict tourism regulations across key destinations like Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Athens to preserve local life.

Conclusion

Italy’s decision to join Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, and other European countries in managing overtourism marks a significant step towards preserving the unique charm and livability of its key destinations. By implementing strict tourism regulations across cities like Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Athens, these nations are prioritizing the needs of local residents while ensuring that tourism remains sustainable. These regulations, such as short-term rental bans, crowd control measures, and fines for disruptive tourist behavior, reflect a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining a balance between welcoming visitors and protecting the cultural and environmental integrity of iconic cities. As more countries adopt similar measures, Europe is setting an example for responsible tourism that can help preserve its heritage for future generations.