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In Italy, the idyllic small village of Portofino, nestled on the Ligurian coast near Genoa (📖 read our guide), has decided to take drastic measures to combat the blight of over tourism that besieges its picturesque narrow streets, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. These new rules, which may surprise lovers of the Italian dolce vita, could disorientate tourists accustomed to wandering without restriction.
Why such a decision? Each year, Portofino, a gem of 400 inhabitants set against a backdrop of blue sea, is besieged by hundreds of tourists who flock daily to its streets. It’s the reality of many tourist sites during the peak season in Europe, but here, the influx has become problematic, forcing local officials to step in.
As a result, visitors are now prohibited from stopping to walk in certain strategic areas of the village – the “red zones”, between 10:30 am and 6 pm.
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Therefore, you’ll need to be cautious if you arrive by cruise ship and were planning to take a break in front of an enticing shop window or snap a selfie against the azure backdrop of the Mediterranean. This decree, in force since the end of April, will remain in effect until October 15, 2023, stretching well beyond the region’s peak tourist season.
Don’t take this warning lightly, the fine facing defiant tourists is rather steep: between 68 and 275 euros. That’s the price to pay for a moment of contemplation in these zones. A bit expensive, right? However, local officials assure that this measure is primarily aimed at raising awareness among village visitors, rather than filling municipal coffers.
Thus, Portofino seems determined to preserve its treasures and tranquillity in the face of the rising tide of tourists. A thought that reminds travellers that respect for residents and visited places is essential for maintaining the beauty and authenticity of destinations. And it’s not dissimilar to measures taken by Venice, on the other side of the country.