Varenna, a picturesque Italian village nestled on the shores of Lake Como, is implementing new regulations to curb the impact of overtourism, including fines for visitors who wander its streets in swimwear or topless. The town is enforcing a dress code that requires tourists to cover up when they are away from the designated beach areas, piers, and boat docks.
New Dress Code Aims to Preserve Local Quality of Life
The updated urban police regulations in Varenna aim to strike a balance between welcoming the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flock to the charming lakeside spot each year and preserving the daily lives of its permanent residents. Mayor Mauro Manzoni expressed pride in Varenna’s status as a global destination but emphasized that the quality of life for locals should not be compromised by the demands of mass tourism.
The specific prohibition states that “throughout the entire municipal territory of Varenna, it is prohibited to remain shirtless or wearing only swimwear, except on beaches, piers and boat docks.” This measure targets the casual attire often associated with beach holidays, which officials believe is out of place in the historic town center and residential areas.
Steep Fines for Non-Compliance
Visitors who disregard the new rules face significant penalties. The fines can range from €50 to €200 (approximately $57 to $228 USD). This financial deterrent is intended to ensure compliance and underscore the seriousness with which the town is treating the issue of appropriate public attire.
Overtourism Challenges in a Small Village
Varenna’s situation highlights the growing challenges faced by many popular tourist destinations, particularly smaller towns with limited infrastructure and resident populations. Official statistics indicate that Varenna covers just under 5 square miles and is home to only 646 residents. This stark contrast between the small local population and the influx of hundreds of thousands of tourists annually underscores the pressure on local resources and the need for measures to manage visitor behavior.
Public Reaction and Precedents
News of Varenna’s dress code and fines has sparked discussion online, with many expressing support for the initiative. On a popular online forum, users largely agreed with the town’s decision, with comments such as “Their town, their law” and wishes that more destinations would adopt similar policies. Some noted that while dress code reminders are common in European towns, the imposition of fines is a more notable aspect of Varenna’s approach.
This move by Varenna is not entirely unprecedented. Last summer, the French seaside resort of Les Sables-d’Olonne also reminded both locals and tourists of its regulations prohibiting toplessness or wearing swimwear away from the beach in 2025. The mayor of that town at the time stated that the rules were a matter of respect for the local community, who prefer visitors not to wander around town scantily clad.
Balancing Tourism and Local Culture
The regulations in Varenna underscore a broader conversation about sustainable tourism and the need to respect local customs and environments. While tourism brings economic benefits, communities are increasingly seeking ways to mitigate its negative impacts, such as overcrowding and the erosion of local character. By implementing clear guidelines and penalties, Varenna is attempting to ensure that its unique charm and the peace of its residents are maintained, even amidst its popularity as a vacation hot spot.
The town hopes that these measures will encourage visitors to be more mindful of their attire and behavior, fostering a more respectful and harmonious experience for everyone involved. The goal is to allow tourists to enjoy Varenna’s beauty while also upholding the dignity and comfort of its long-term inhabitants.
