Italy Links Up With France, Spain, Malta and More Countries as Tourist Destinations Like Varenna, Sorrento, Portofino Where Wearing Swimwear in Public or Going Nude Could Lead to Hefty Fines

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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July 8, 2026 2:02 AM

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Italy links up with France, Spain, Malta and more countries as tourist destinations like Varenna, Sorrento and Portofino warn that wearing swimwear in public or going nude could lead to hefty fines.

Italy links up with France, Spain, Malta and more countries as Varenna, Sorrento and Portofino warn tourists that wearing swimwear in public or going nude could lead to hefty fines and legal trouble. Italy links up with France, Spain, Malta and more countries as famous tourist destinations including Varenna, Sorrento and Portofino tighten rules on wearing swimwear in public or going nude, where visitors could lead to hefty fines if they ignore local regulations.

As summer travel reaches its peak, authorities are introducing stricter enforcement to protect historic streets, public spaces and community standards. Consequently, tourists are being reminded that beachwear belongs on beaches, not in town centres. Therefore, understanding local laws before travelling has become essential for avoiding penalties, preserving respectful tourism and enjoying a hassle-free holiday.

Many popular tourist destinations around the world have introduced strict rules against public nudity, topless sightseeing and wearing beachwear away from designated beaches. Travellers visiting places in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Caribbean can face fines ranging from tens to hundreds of euros, while some countries impose much harsher legal penalties, including arrest or imprisonment, for violating public decency laws.

Why Are More Tourist Destinations Introducing Public Decency Fines?

As international tourism continues to grow, many destinations are tightening regulations to protect local culture, preserve historic town centres and improve residents’ quality of life. Authorities argue that behaviour considered acceptable on beaches often creates tension when tourists walk through shopping streets, heritage sites and residential neighbourhoods wearing only swimsuits or with little or no clothing.

Local governments have increasingly introduced penalties not to discourage tourism but to encourage respectful travel. Officials believe these measures help preserve the character of popular destinations while ensuring visitors understand the difference between beach etiquette and acceptable public behaviour elsewhere.

Italy: Historic Towns Are Cracking Down on Shirtless Tourists

Italy has become one of Europe’s most active countries in introducing local regulations against inappropriate tourist clothing. Several municipalities now fine visitors who wander through historic streets wearing only swimwear or without shirts after leaving nearby beaches.

The picturesque village of Varenna on Lake Como has introduced fines ranging from €50 to €200 for people walking around the town shirtless or dressed only in beachwear outside authorised areas. Other famous destinations, including Sorrento and Portofino, have also adopted similar measures to maintain decorum in historic centres that attract millions of international visitors every year.

France: Beachwear Belongs on the Beach

French coastal towns are also taking a tougher approach towards tourists who leave beaches without changing into appropriate clothing. Municipal authorities say residents have increasingly complained about visitors entering cafés, supermarkets and public spaces dressed only in bikinis or swimming shorts.

Les Sables-d’Olonne has introduced fines of up to €150 for people walking through the town in beachwear away from designated coastal areas. Officials say the regulation is designed to preserve public standards rather than restrict tourism, reminding visitors that proper clothing is expected once they leave the beach.

Spain: Coastal Cities Tighten Dress Rules

Spain remains one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations, but several cities have strengthened municipal regulations covering public dress. Authorities emphasise that bikinis, swimming trunks and shirtless walking are generally acceptable only on beaches, promenades immediately adjacent to the coast and designated leisure areas.

Cities such as Málaga have introduced fines for visitors wearing swimwear in shopping districts and city streets far from the coastline. Barcelona has also enforced similar rules for years, encouraging tourists to respect local customs while exploring historic neighbourhoods and cultural attractions.

Dubai: Strict Laws Reflect Local Culture

Dubai welcomes millions of international visitors every year, yet it also expects tourists to respect the cultural traditions of the United Arab Emirates. Swimwear is accepted at beaches, swimming pools and private resorts, but revealing clothing away from these locations can result in legal consequences.

Topless sunbathing, public nudity and inappropriate dress in shopping malls, markets and residential districts can lead to fines, police action or even imprisonment depending on the circumstances. Visitors are therefore encouraged to dress modestly whenever they leave beach or resort areas.

Morocco: Conservative Customs Apply Beyond the Beach

Morocco combines spectacular beaches with centuries-old cultural traditions that place great importance on modest public dress. While tourists are warmly welcomed, authorities expect visitors to respect local customs, particularly in cities, traditional markets and religious areas.

Public nudity and topless sunbathing are prohibited, and behaviour considered indecent may result in legal penalties. Travellers exploring destinations such as Marrakech, Casablanca and Fez should wear appropriate clothing, especially when visiting cultural or religious attractions.

Tunisia: Respecting Local Traditions Matters

Tunisia’s Mediterranean coastline attracts beach holidaymakers from across Europe, but public behaviour remains governed by local cultural expectations. Swimwear is generally accepted on beaches and within hotel resorts but should not be worn while walking through towns or public markets.

Authorities may impose fines or other legal penalties for public nudity or behaviour considered offensive to public decency. Visitors are advised to change into everyday clothing before leaving resort or beach areas to avoid unnecessary problems.

Egypt: Public Nudity Can Have Serious Consequences

Egypt’s world-famous tourist destinations welcome millions of visitors every year, yet public decency laws remain strict throughout the country. Swimwear is appropriate at hotel pools and beaches but should not be worn while sightseeing, shopping or visiting historic attractions.

Public nudity can result in criminal penalties, including fines and possible detention. Travellers visiting Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria and the Red Sea resorts should remain aware that local customs differ significantly from those in many European holiday destinations.

Malta: Significant Financial Penalties

Malta combines Mediterranean beaches with historic cities recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Authorities expect tourists to wear suitable clothing while exploring urban areas, churches and cultural landmarks after leaving beaches.

Public nudity or indecent exposure may attract fines of up to €700, making Malta one of Europe’s stricter destinations regarding public decency. Visitors are encouraged to carry a change of clothes whenever travelling between beaches and city attractions.

The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago

Several Caribbean destinations also regulate public dress despite their relaxed beach culture. Visitors can enjoy beaches and resorts freely but are expected to cover up before entering towns, restaurants, shops and public transport.

The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago both have laws addressing public nudity and inappropriate dress in public places. Authorities remind travellers that beachwear should remain on the beach, helping maintain respect for local communities and cultural expectations.

Switzerland: Even Hiking Nude Can Be Expensive

Although Switzerland is known for its stunning alpine scenery, some cantons have introduced penalties against nude hiking following complaints from residents. Authorities argue that public walking trails are shared spaces where all visitors should feel comfortable.

People found hiking nude in prohibited areas may receive fines of around 200 Swiss francs. The rules demonstrate that even outdoor recreation must comply with local public decency regulations.

The main cause behind these stricter rules is the rapid growth in international tourism, which has increased complaints from residents about inappropriate clothing in historic districts, shopping streets and cultural attractions. The answer adopted by many destinations is to introduce clear regulations and financial penalties that encourage responsible visitor behaviour. The reason is straightforward: local authorities want to balance tourism growth with community wellbeing, cultural respect and heritage preservation. By requiring tourists to dress appropriately away from beaches, destinations can reduce conflicts, maintain their unique identity and create a more enjoyable environment for both residents and international visitors.

The Bottom Line for Travellers

Tourists should never assume that beachwear or public nudity is acceptable simply because a destination is famous for its coastline or warm weather. Every country, region and municipality may apply different rules, and ignorance of local regulations rarely prevents fines or legal action.

Before travelling, visitors should check local laws and remember a simple guideline: swimwear belongs on beaches and around swimming pools unless authorities clearly state otherwise. Respecting local customs not only helps avoid financial penalties but also contributes to more responsible and sustainable tourism worldwide.

Italy’s decision to strengthen enforcement against tourists wearing swimwear in public or going nude reflects a wider international movement that now links up with France, Spain, Malta and several other popular holiday destinations. From the scenic lakeside streets of Varenna to the coastal charm of Sorrento and the luxury harbour of Portofino, authorities are making it clear that visitors must respect local customs once they leave beaches, swimming pools and designated leisure areas.

Across Europe and beyond, municipalities are introducing or reinforcing public decency regulations as tourism continues to expand. These measures are not intended to discourage visitors but to ensure that historic centres, residential neighbourhoods, shopping districts and cultural landmarks remain welcoming places for everyone. Tourists who fail to comply may face substantial financial penalties, while in some countries, more serious legal consequences can also apply depending on local legislation.

The growing number of destinations adopting these policies highlights a broader shift towards responsible and sustainable tourism. Travellers are increasingly expected to understand local traditions, respect community expectations and recognise that behaviour acceptable at the beach may not be appropriate elsewhere. Preparing for a trip now involves more than booking accommodation and flights; it also means becoming familiar with destination-specific regulations that could affect the holiday experience.

Ultimately, respecting dress codes and public decency laws benefits everyone. Visitors avoid unexpected fines, residents enjoy greater respect for their communities, and destinations preserve the cultural character that attracts millions of tourists each year. As more countries join this trend, responsible travel is becoming just as important as choosing the perfect destination, ensuring tourism remains sustainable, respectful and rewarding for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk through a town wearing swimwear after leaving the beach?
Not always. Many destinations, particularly in Italy, France and Spain, prohibit wearing beachwear in town centres and shopping areas.

Which destination has one of the highest reported fines?
Malta can impose fines of up to €700 for public nudity or indecent exposure under certain circumstances.

Is topless sunbathing legal everywhere?
No. While some European beaches permit it, countries such as the UAE, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt have much stricter public decency laws.

Can tourists be arrested for public nudity?
Yes. In several countries, including the UAE, Egypt and Morocco, serious breaches of public decency laws may result in police action, fines or imprisonment.

How can travellers avoid fines?
Carry a change of clothes, wear appropriate attire away from beaches, and always check local regulations before visiting a destination.