Aussie tourist’s warning about little-known $1,100 fine in European cities

An Aussie tourist is warning those visiting Europe over the summer that a little-known offense could cost them a large chunk of their well-earned travel savings.

Tourist Isabelle said popular European spots have introduced purposes for those who walk about in their swimwear without covering up and people she knows have been “stung pretty badly” after being accused of public indecency.

“This is a PSA if you’re a girl… do not wear your bikini top when you leave the beach without something over it. They will get you, they do not want tourists doing that,” she said on social media. “If you think you can just, like, scoot on through town with a little bikini top, I wouldn’t recommend it… Don’t do it, you’ve been warned.”

She claimed anyone who walks around in their swimwear in parts of Italy, or in Hvar and Dubrovnik in Croatia will cop a €700 fine — equivalent to A$1,100.

Crackdown on public indecency in European destinations

In 2017 the mayor of Hvar, Rikardo Novak, introduced a number of purposes to encourage tourists to behave appropriately. Those who walk around in their swimwear can cop a fine of up to €600 (AU$1000), with men fined €550 (over $917) for not wearing a top with their shorts off the beach, or near a swimming pool.

Tourists who are caught public drinking on the popular party island will be set back €700.

The mayor of Sorrento in southern Italy introduced fines for similar offenses last year, with bikinis and exposed midriffs on the street a big no-no. Tourists in Sorrento can cop a $800 fine for this. Lipari in Sicily is reported to have a similar rule in place while people sightseeing in swimwear in Venice have also been found.

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