Now that border restrictions have been lifted and demand for travel is skyrocketing, Italy is taking additional steps to ensure it is not overrun by tourists once again and livelihoods disrupted: you could now be fined 300 dollars for stopping for selfies in one of the country’s most popular destinations.
This follows the introduction of an alternating license plate system on the Amalfi Coast to avoid congestion of the narrow cliffside roads, the need for registration ahead of visiting certain national parks, and even purchasing a ticket in order to visit Venice.
Unexpectedly, yet another hugely popular town, and one that straddles the busy Italian Riviera at that, is now sending a clear message to Instagrammers:
Portofino Enacts ‘Anti-Selfie’ Law
To the dismay of social media users, the small port of Portofino, a comune located in the wider metropolitan area of Genoa, has introduced ‘no-waiting zones’ in a number of scenic spots, which is effectively being treated as a ‘selfie ban’ for tourists.
As one of the prettiest Italian towns, full of pastel-colored houses lining a historic harbor and offering access to the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, Portofino has been a tourist hotspot since at least the late 19th century, but things are quickly getting out of hand.
Other than having traditionally served as a resort for the world’s largest jet set and subsequently as a hub for high-end travelers, it has been gaining traction among the wider public in recent years, especially after going viral on apps like Instagram and TikTok.
Visiting Portofino in summer, you should expect long lines to access every single attraction and in peak hours, even to walk the tiny port and its adjacent narrow streets. Despite having a population of under 400 people, daily visitor numbers sometimes surpass 10,000.
In other words, it is utter chaos, with ‘grammers queuing up to try for the perfect shot at the Area Marina Protetta, overlooking the town and harbor and other popular viewpoints in the vicinity.
In a country as scarred by overtourism as Italy, it should come as no surprise that local authorities have decided to intervene.
A Fine Of €270
From now until October 15, when the holiday season is presumed to end, you could be fined up to €270, or roughly USD $296, for contributing to the formation of lines in strategic points between 10:30 am and 6 pm. This includes footpaths, roads, and the picturesque quay.
While the word ‘selfie’ is not mentioned, many have seen it as a clear response to the ‘Instagrammation’ of Portofino, whose trendiness among travel bloggers and influencers continues to grow.
We are not sure at this point how the rule will be enforced in practice, but we can imagine that any individual blocking a path as they take pictures or a large gathering that’s preventing the movement of people will be targeted by the regulation.
Portofino is a day trip destination for travelers based in Genoa or those who are exploring the Ligurian Coast. Other than Portofino, the main attractions in the area are the five iconic towns that comprise the Cinque Terre, Camogli, and La Spezia.
Italy is one of the most sought-after destinations for Americans crossing the pond. A treasure trove of antiquities, home to numerous historical cities and areas of outstanding natural beauty, and famous for its amazing cuisine, it has led booking trends in Southern Europe for years.
Following decades of building on its popularity, it is now actively fighting mass tourism, a dangerous phenomenon that’s once again blighting major Italian cities, as well as other European destinations.
