Italy’s ‘La Dolce Vita’ allure draws in crowds of tourists eager to experience its rich culture, history and beauty. However, this ever-growing influx has given rise to an extreme case of overtourism, forcing several places in the country to introduce measures, from banning selfies to introducing tourist fees. If you’re planning a trip to Italy this summer, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Venice has introduced a tourist fee

Venice has implemented new regulations to address mass tourism, including a ban on loudspeakers and a limit on tour group sizes to 25 people. There’s also a €5 (Rs449) daily tourist entry fee, introduced on 25th April. Additionally, cruise ships are now prohibited from entering the historic centre of Venice. These measures follow UNESCO experts’ warnings that Venice could be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger.

Milan wants to ban the sale of pizza past midnight

Milan, the bustling fashion capital of Italy, is proposing a ban on selling pizza and gelato after 12:30 am on weekdays and 1:30 am on weekends, along with new closing times for outdoor areas of restaurants and bars. This regulation is part of a new city council proposal aimed at reducing the number of late-night revellers and noisy partygoers. Milan’s deputy mayor of security, Marco Granelli, stated: “We are seeking a balance between sociality and entertainment, the peace and health of the residents, and the free economic activity of traders and entrepreneurs.” However, local reactions have been mixed, with some expressing concern that the rule could negatively impact business for shop owners.

Selfies are no-no in Portofino

The town on the Italian Riviera has established no-waiting zones and banned selfies in these areas to prevent tourists from lingering in popular beauty spots to take pictures. Fines for staying too long in these zones, which include the most photogenic areas, can reach up to €275 (Rs25,000).

Cinque Terre prohibits travellers from hiking in sandals

To address overcrowding, visitors will be charged €15 (Rs1,300) to embark on the Sentiero Azzurro hike in Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre National Park Authority has also prohibited hiking in flip-flops or sandals, with fines of up to €2500 (Rs2,25,000) for violators.

Rome has prohibited sitting on its steps

Sitting on Rome’s Spanish Steps is also prohibited, with fines up to €400 (Rs36,000) for those caught breaking the rule.

Sardinia needs you to book a spot for the beach

During the summer, visitors to Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, must book a reservation to use private beaches via the Cuore di Sardegna app.

Florence has stopped giving out licences for short-term rentals

Across Italy, short-term rentals are being heavily regulated; in Florence, new short-term rental licences have been completely banned in the city centre to help free up housing for locals, which could help mitigate overtourism by reducing available accommodations.