Aussie traveller Izzy Lakin has issued a warning about fines for anyone wearing swimwear in some of Europe’s holiday hotspots, including Dubrovnik and Sorrento
An Australian traveller visiting Europe for the summer has warned others about some little-known rules which could land them in hot water, as well as some eye-watering fines.
Izzy Lakin, co-founder of Tsavo Wellness Sydney and a freelance social media specialist, shared a PSA on her TikTok account for any women planning on taking swimwear on holiday with them to countries like Italy or Croatia.
She warned prospective travellers of fines which visitors could face for wearing swimwear, like bikinis, in the cities.
Izzy said: “This is a PSA if you’re a girl travelling to Italy or Hvar, Croatia, or Dubrovnik this summer season. If you don’t want the €700 fine, 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 explained she already knows a few people who’ve faced fines in previous years for wearing a bikini top in the cities. Izzy said: “Don’t do it, you’ve been warned.”
The island of Hvar introduced a number of fines for tourists back in 2017 for inappropriate behaviour. Rikardo Novak, the mayor of Hvar, introduced the fines to encourage tourists and visitors to behave appropriately.
These included a €600 pay out for wandering around in your trunks or swimsuit, while men could be fined €500 for not wearing a top with their shorts. Hvar also introduced a fine of €700 for drinking in public.
Dubrovnik has had similar rules in place since 2020, with people wearing swimwear in the heart of the historic Old City of Dubrovnik facing fines of 1,000 Kuna (£33). The Croatian city of Split followed suit last year, with new rules stopping people from walking around the historic centre “in a bathing suit, underwear or no clothes in a public space”. This applies to both tourists and locals.
The restrictions are intended to “bring order to the city”, with fines of up to €150 (approximately £126) for anyone breaking the rules. Over in Italy, the popular town of Sorrento introduced a ban on bikinis with fines of up to €500 (£421) in 2022. This also applies for anyone walking around the town topless.
You won’t be fined for relaxing in your swimsuit if you’re by the pool or a beach club, though. These measures apply for those who are out and about, going to shops or heading to restaurants.
If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here
