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

Aussies are being warned one simple clothing choice could set them back thousands.

The Aussie woman smiles at sunset (left) and a group of women walking in bikinis down a European street (right).
Tourists have been warned to not walk about in their swimwear in European cities. Source: Instagram/Dubrovnik Times

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

Tourist Isabelle said popular European spots have introduced fines 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.

A sign in Hvar in Croatia.
The town of Hvar in Croatia has erected signs to remind tourists about inappropriate dress rules. Source: Total Croatia

In 2017 the mayor of Hvar, Rikardo Novak, introduced a number of fines 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 offences 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 fined.

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