Common tourist activity in Italy that could see you hit with an $800 fine
When you're making your holiday budget for a trip to Italy, there are certain items you're definitely factoring into your spending.
Hotels and transportation, sure. Daily meals, museum entry, a little bit of shopping. Maybe a daily gelato and a bottle of wine.
But unless you know the ins and outs of local laws, you might also need to set aside some cash to pay a fine.
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Italy is always a popular travel spot. Getty Images/iStockphoto
There are some seemingly innocent acts in Italy that are actually against the law, which could leave travellers blindsided by hefty fines.
So before you feed the pigeons in a piazza or throw on a bikini to nip down and get an espresso, think again.
Global travel booking site Omio has shared a list of some little-known laws holidaymakers should be aware of before heading to Italy.
First off, do not even think about feeding the birds.
In popular tourist spots like Venice, Rome and Florence, feeding the pigeons is banned - and could see you hit with a €500, or $800 fine.
The idea behind the law is to help protect historic monuments and protect public hygiene.
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Don't feed the pigeons! Getty
You could also get in trouble for feeding yourself. If you're wandering around the romantic city of Venice and find yourself craving a good panini for lunch, whatever you do, don't eat it outside a public monument.
Venice is extremely strict about keeping its beautiful streets and historic monuments clean and safe.
It's prohibited to eat or drink while seated on monuments, steps, bridges, or raised walkways. Doing so could land you with a fine of up to €200 ($325)
Eating on the street in Venice could get you a fine. Getty
Next up, don't make a habit of traipsing around the cobblestoned streets in your swimwear.
There are certain places in Italy where the only places you're legally allowed to wear swimmers is the hotel pool and beaches, including popular holiday spots such as Sorrento, Tuscany, Veneto and Campania.
If you're leaving the swimming area, cover up with shorts and a shirt, and show respect to the locals and their customs.
Another fashion item that could get you in trouble is a pair of stilettos, or other noisy shoes.
Capri wants to maintain its peaceful aura. Getty
In Capri, it's illegal to wear 'excessively noisy footwear'. Anyone accused of disrupting the island's peaceful atmosphere could be slapped with a €50 or $80 fine. It's suggested that visitors wear soft-soled shoes or sneakers to avoid any loud footwear fines.
Hiking in Cinque Terre? Absolutely do not forget your walking boots. Not having the right footwear will not only hinder your journey, but it could also land you with a large fine of up to €2500 or $4080 Aussie dollars.
The rule aims to promote safety on the rocky trails, to keep things secure for everyone.
