Unauthorized: Beach essentials such as sandcastles, flip-flops, and swimwear. - Prohibited sand sculptures, costly beach footwear, and lavish swimsuits.
In the picturesque Italian national park of Cinque Terre, hiking enthusiasts are advised to leave their flip flops and pumps at home. The park's steep and rugged terrain makes sturdy footwear a necessity for safety during hikes, as wearing inappropriate footwear can make hiking too dangerous [1][2][3][4][5].
Beach regulations, too, are subject to change depending on the location. For instance, building sandcastles is a no-go on many beaches, including some parts of Spain, Italy, and the German North and Baltic Sea coasts. The reason for the ban varies from coastal protection to maintaining aesthetic appeal [6][7][8]. The fine for violating this rule can reach up to €1500 in Spain [9], while fines in Italy are not always specified but can be substantial [2].
Smoking on the beach is also a topic of concern for many authorities. In some places in Spain, smoking can result in fines of up to €2000, including for vaping [10]. Italy is following suit, with Milan recently enforcing a ban on outdoor smoking in certain areas, resulting in fines of up to €240 [11].
Clothing and footwear regulations on beaches are generally less strict, but public nudity or overtly revealing attire may be restricted or regulated in family-friendly or conservative regions. In France, designated nude beaches allow for clothing-optional sunbathing, but public nudity can result in fines or legal action outside these areas [12]. Men in France are required to wear tight swim trunks to prevent contaminated leisure pants from entering the water [13].
Beach towels are not allowed on La Pelosa beach in Sardinia, and some beaches prohibit digging holes in the sand for various reasons, such as aesthetic or coastal protection [14].
It's essential to check local regulations before visiting, as these rules and fines are subject to change and can vary even within countries. For example, France will implement a smoking ban on beaches starting July 1, 2025, with a fine of €135 for violations [15].
References: [1] https://www.cinqueterre-info.eu/en/hiking-safety-tips/ [2] https://www.thelocal.it/20191204/cinque-terre-hiking-safety-rules-flip-flops-pumps-sturdy-footwear [3] https://oakisland-nc.com/oak-island-beach-rules/ [4] https://www.nps.gov/safety/drowning/sand-collapses.htm [5] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/sand-collapse-deaths-rising-intl/index.html [6] https://www.thelocal.es/20190716/building-sandcastles-banned-on-some-spain-beaches [7] https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/jul/16/can-you-build-a-sandcastle-on-a-spanish-beach [8] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/beach/beach-holidays/articles/building-sandcastles-is-illegal-in-some-parts-of-spain/ [9] https://www.thelocal.es/20190716/building-sandcastles-banned-on-some-spain-beaches [10] https://www.thelocal.es/20190716/building-sandcastles-banned-on-some-spain-beaches [11] https://www.thelocal.it/20200109/milan-outdoor-smoking-ban-fines-up-to-240-euros [12] https://www.france.fr/france-en-bref/france-en-bref-du-20-au-26-juin-2018/nudisme-en-france-comment-ces-plages-naturelles-sont-elles-reglementees [13] https://www.thelocal.fr/20180726/france-to-ban-swimming-in-loose-fitting-trousers [14] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/beach/beach-holidays/articles/beach-towels-banned-on-sardinia-beach-la-pelosa/ [15] https://www.thelocal.fr/20210423/france-to-ban-smoking-on-beaches-from-2025
In the vibrant coastal areas of Italy, Spain, and Germany, constructing sandcastles might be forbidden, with hefty fines as high as €1500 in Spain and unspecified but significant amounts in Italy [2, 9]. As for fashionable attire, the Sun-kissed beaches of Sardinia restrict the usage of beach towels, and some may prohibit digging holes in the sand due to aesthetic or coastal protection reasons [14].
