European beaches tighten rules: No smoking, fines for beachwear in town

European coastal destinations are rolling out stricter rules for beaches and seaside towns this summer, aiming to curb the impacts of mass tourism and safeguard delicate coastal ecosystems. These measures, while intended to enhance the quality of life for residents and preserve natural beauty, may surprise some visitors.

In Italy's Sardinia, popular beaches like Punta Molentis have introduced limitations, allowing only one umbrella per group, placed at designated spots. The famous La Pelosa beach now requires visitors to place towels on special mats to prevent sand erosion, with fines of 100 euros for violations. Greece is also enforcing regulations, designating 251 beaches as areas without tourist infrastructure, prohibiting amenities like sunbeds and rental umbrellas.

Smoking is increasingly being banned on beaches across Europe. Spain has prohibited smoking on over 600 beaches, including those in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, while France extended its ban to all beaches along swimming waters last year, imposing a 135 euro fine for lighting up. Similar prohibitions are in place on numerous Italian beaches.

Furthermore, many seaside towns are cracking down on tourists wearing swimwear away from the beach. In Sorrento, Italy, walking through town in a bikini or swim trunks can result in a fine of up to 500 euros. Albufeira, Portugal, imposes fines from 300 to 1,500 euros for wearing only swimwear outside designated areas. Barcelona and Mallorca also have similar rules, with fines up to 300 euros for entering shops or restaurants in beach attire. Croatia has also implemented such restrictions in cities like Split and Dubrovnik.