Varenna authorities have enacted a ban on individuals walking around the village with bare chests or in swimwear. This measure includes fines ranging from €50 to €200 for violations.

The new regulations also impose limits on tour group sizes, restricting them to a maximum of 25 people. Additionally, tour guides are prohibited from using loudspeakers within the village. Swimwear and bare chests are permitted only at designated lakeside beaches or during boat trips on Lake Como.

Varenna's year-round population is approximately 650 residents, while the village receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Mauro Manzoni, Mayor of Varenna, indicated that the intent of the measures was to protect the quality of life for residents.

"Varenna is a wonderful village, and we are proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year," Manzoni said. "However, our residents' quality of life cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mass tourism."

Similar actions have been observed in other Italian locations. Sorrento imposed fines in 2022 for walking around in swimming gear and bare-chested. In 2023, Portofino banned selfies in certain areas and designated other areas as "no-waiting zones."

Why It Matters

The implementation of these restrictions in Varenna reflects an effort by local authorities to manage the impact of mass tourism on small communities. With a resident population of about 650, the village experiences large visitor numbers annually, creating potential strain on local resources and resident comfort. The dress code and tour group limitations are consistent with similar measures seen in other Italian tourist destinations like Sorrento and Portofino, indicating a broader trend of communities addressing tourism-related challenges.