If you’re planning to fill up your Insta feed on a summer trip to Italy, you might be disappointed by the latest news coming from Portofino. The popular coastal fishing village, known for its colourful houses overlooking the sea, has introduced a whopping fine of €275 (£242, $300) for anyone hanging around too long in certain areas prone to congestion.
Tourists looking for that perfect shot tend to flock to two major photogenic hotspots – you only need to browse photos tagged in Portofino on Instagram to see what we mean – but now, those spots have been termed red zones, or no-waiting zones.
Mayor of Portofino Matteo Viacava claimed that the ‘anarchic chaos’ created by tourists stopping to take pictures has resulted in massive traffic jams and blocked streets.
The measures came into effect over the Easter weekend, when Portofino was packed with tourists. It will now be a permanent rule as the town gears up for a busy summer season, and will be enforced from morning to 6pm every day until October 15.
The new rule is the latest in a spate of restrictions enforced by tourist destinations across the world to combat the impact of overtourism. If you’re still planning a summer trip and want to avoid getting stuck in selfie traffic, consider visiting one of the world’s many underrated destinations. Portofino still calling? Don’t expect to be able to get that perfect pic for the gram – unless you’ve got some cash to spare.
Did you read about how Amsterdam is cracking down on rowdy tourism?
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