Varenna Enforces Dress Code and Fines to Curb Unruly Tourist Behavior

Varenna, a fishing village on Lake Como, introduced regulations targeting tourists who walk shirtless or in swimwear outside beaches or boat trips. Fines range from €50 to €200. Tour groups are capped at 25 people, and guides may not use loudspeakers on cobblestone streets. The measures aim to preserve the village’s appearance and reduce disturbances for its 650 residents.

The Guardian

Varenna receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, a flow that strains its infrastructure and cultural ambience. Similar measures have appeared elsewhere: Sorrento’s mayor imposed fines in 2022, calling the conduct “widespread indecorous behaviour,” and Portofino banned selfies and set “no-waiting zones” in 2023. These cases show a growing municipal trend to curb overtourism with behavioral codes. These actions reflect a broader national debate on sustainable tourism management.

The Guardian

Mayor Mauro Manzoni announced the initiative, praising Varenna as a “wonderful” destination. Local shop owners support the rules, stressing “decent” dress in shops, restaurants, churches and the square. Their comments indicate the community sees the measures as corrective rather than restrictive. Manzoni emphasized protecting Varenna’s cultural heritage alongside tourism.

The Guardian

The ordinance fines €50 for a first shirtless or swimwear violation and up to €200 for repeat offenses. Swimwear is allowed only on lakeside beaches or boat trips. Tour groups may not exceed 25 people and must not block narrow pathways. Guides cannot use amplified sound equipment, preserving the historic centre’s acoustic environment. Violations are recorded by local police, who issue citations on site.

The Guardian

Mayor Manzoni described the policy as protecting the village’s image and ensuring “peace and quiet” for residents. The municipality labeled the behavior “widespread indecorous behaviour.” Shop owners called the regulation “a sound measure” and said enforcement is broadly accepted. The policy has been welcomed by many residents as a step toward preserving community life.

The Guardian

• “Varenna is a wonderful village, and we are proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year,” — Mauro Manzoni, Mayor of Varenna

The Guardian

• “On the beach, you can do what you want, but when you’re walking around and go into shops, restaurants, churches, or in the square, you must dress decently,” — Shop owner, quoted to Mediaset TGCom24

The Guardian

• “It was time; it’s a sound measure. The important thing is to ensure it’s enforced.” — Shop owner

The Guardian

• “The town now imposes hefty fines for what it describes as ‘widespread indecorous behaviour’.” — Former mayor of Sorrento (2022 statement)

The Guardian

Varenna’s policy adds to a growing municipal toolkit to curb overtourism. Financial penalties paired with dress codes aim to balance tourism revenue with local quality of life. Similar steps in Sorrento and Portofino indicate other destinations may adopt comparable measures if visitor pressure persists. The approach may shape future regional tourism guidelines if similar measures are adopted elsewhere.

The Guardian