Gallipoli authorities crack down on overcrowded holiday rentals

The Guardia di Finanza, supported by local police, conducted inspections of 70 holiday rental properties in the seaside areas of Baia Verde and Lido San Giovanni in Gallipoli. The operation identified 480 tourists, including 123 minors, staying in accommodations that exceeded legal capacity limits.

Notable violations included two garages being rented out as holiday homes and an apartment designed for nine people that was found housing 17 individuals, 11 of whom were minors. Tourists were reportedly paying between 2,000 and 5,000 euros per week for these stays.

Authorities identified over 100 people staying in excess of permitted limits and 27 violations of the Gallipoli mayor's ordinance. Total fines for the landlords are expected to exceed 48,000 euros, with administrative sanctions of 480 euros applied for each extra guest. Additionally, 37 violations regarding the failure to display the National Identification Code (CIN) were recorded, which can carry fines of up to 8,000 euros per instance. One landlord was also reported for failing to communicate guest identities to the Lecce Police Headquarters.