Portofino imposes €275 fines on tourists who linger for photos

Portofino authorities have created "no‑stop zones" in the town’s busiest areas – the harbor, the Piazzetta and Molo Umberto I – to curb overcrowding. Tourists who remain in these zones for extended photo sessions may be fined up to €275. The restrictions apply mainly during the peak tourist season from April to late October, especially in daylight hours, and can be adjusted yearly according to visitor flow.

The measure aims to keep the narrow streets and access routes clear for pedestrians and emergency vehicles, and to preserve a pleasant experience for all visitors. Former mayor Matteo Viacava said the rule was needed to prevent what he described as "anarchic chaos" caused by crowds gathering to take pictures. With fewer than 400 permanent residents, the Italian Riviera village receives hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, making the new enforcement a notable step in local crowd‑control policy.