British tourists planning beach holidays in Italy and Spain have been warned that strict dress codes could result in fines of up to £500. Authorities in several popular destinations have clamped down on wearing swimwear away from beaches and pools.
In Sorrento, Italy, a ban on bikinis and swim shorts in public streets, shops, and restaurants has been in place since 2022. Offenders face fines of up to €500 (approximately £425). The rules also apply to walking topless, and exemptions only apply within hotel grounds, beach clubs, or on the beach itself.
Similar restrictions apply in Spanish hotspots such as Barcelona and Majorca. Barcelona fines can reach £260, while in Majorca the maximum penalty is £500. Men walking topless outside designated areas are also subject to these fines.
Separately, tourists visiting Greece’s Acropolis are reminded that high heels are banned to prevent damage to ancient monuments. The prohibition, in effect since 2009, carries fines of around €900 (£771), and violators may be denied entry.
