Visitors heading to Italy’s famous Lake Como this summer may want to pack more than just a swimsuit.
Varenna/Karl Moran/Unsplash
The picturesque lakeside village of Varenna has introduced new rules that fine tourists between €50 (about R1,000) and €200 (about R4,000) for walking through the village shirtless or wearing swimwear away from the waterfront. The move is part of a growing effort to protect local communities from the pressures of overtourism.
A dress code beyond the beach
The new regulations make it clear that swimwear should be reserved for beaches and boat trips. Visitors exploring Varenna’s cobbled streets, browsing shops, dining in restaurants or visiting public squares are expected to dress appropriately.
According to local authorities, the measures are intended to preserve the village’s character while ensuring residents can continue to enjoy daily life during the busy tourist season.
Mayor Mauro Manzoni said the village is proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but added that tourism should not come at the expense of the quality of life for the town’s roughly 650 permanent residents.
More rules aimed at overtourism
The dress code is only one part of a broader strategy to manage visitor numbers.
Authorities have also limited organised tour groups to a maximum of 25 people, while tour guides are no longer allowed to use loudspeakers in the narrow streets. The changes are designed to reduce congestion and create a quieter environment for both residents and visitors.
Local business owners have reportedly welcomed the new rules, saying visitors should be free to enjoy the lakeside beaches but should dress respectfully when moving through the village itself.
A growing trend across Italy
Varenna is not the first Italian destination to introduce stricter visitor rules.
In recent years, popular tourist hotspots including Sorrento have implemented dress codes banning beachwear in town centres, while Portofino introduced restrictions to reduce overcrowding and discourage visitors from lingering in busy areas for photos. These measures reflect a wider trend as destinations across Europe look for ways to balance tourism with the needs of local communities.
For travellers, the message is simple. Swimwear belongs on the beach, not in the village streets.
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