The fishing village of Varenna on Lake Como has introduced fines of up to 200 euros for appearing on the streets bare-chested or in swimwear, The Guardian reports.

This is the latest attempt by an Italian tourist destination to curb visitors’ behavior that local residents consider disrespectful.

Varenna has faced growing pressure due to the increase in tourist numbers, and the authorities have adopted a series of new rules aimed at preserving the village’s appearance and ensuring peace and quiet for its permanent residents, who number around 650 people.

Walking through the village without a shirt or in swimwear is now prohibited. Such clothing is allowed only on the lakeside beaches or during boat trips on Lake Como. Offenders face fines ranging from 50 to 200 euros.

In addition, tourist groups are limited to no more than 25 people and must not block Varenna’s narrow cobbled streets. Tour guides are also banned from using loudspeakers.

“Varenna is a beautiful village, and we are proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year,” said Varenna mayor Mauro Manzoni. “However, the quality of life of our residents cannot be sacrificed to mass tourism.”

The new rules have already been in force for several days and, according to local residents, the measure concerning clothing has been received especially positively.

“You can do whatever you want on the beach, but when you walk through the streets, go into shops, restaurants, churches or the square, you need to be dressed appropriately,” one shop owner told Mediaset TGCom24.

Another business owner noted: “It was time to do this. It’s a sensible measure. The main thing is to ensure it is enforced.”

In recent years, many Italian cities and resort areas have introduced similar restrictions in an effort to cope with the consequences of overtourism.

In 2022, the then mayor of Sorrento described walking around in swimwear and bare-chested as “widespread indecent behavior” that damages the city’s image, and introduced hefty fines.

In the prestigious coastal town of Portofino in the Liguria region, selfies were banned in certain places in 2023 and special “no-stopping zones” were created so that tourists would not linger too long in the same spots, causing crowds to form.