Australian tourist reveals what you should NEVER do while vacationing in Europe – and the bikini habit that can get you a $1,000 fine
- Aussie offers advice for tourists to Italy
- She warns not to wear bikinis in seaside resorts
- Also advises to cover up to visit churches
An Australian traveler has warned that tourists in Europe could face hefty fines for a practice common Down Under.
Melbourne woman Marti, who has documented her preparations for a European vacation on TikTok, warned that bikinis in Italy are strictly for the beach and that wearing them in the city could result in fines of up to $800.
“You’ll probably get a fine if you wear something like that in the seaside towns,” Laura said, gesturing to a photo of a bikini-clad woman.
‘I don’t know what it is about Italians, but they don’t want tourists in bikinis walking around in the small towns near the beaches.
“If you plan to go to the beach, bring an extra T-shirt so you can cover up, and the old Italian ladies and gentlemen will be happy.”
Melbourne woman Marti has issued a warning that could save tourists to Italy hundreds of dollars
A number of commenters pointed out that this rule did not only apply to Italy, even though other countries would not impose fines for the conduct.
‘I will say almost everywhere in Europe that you should only wear bikinis on the beach, and in the city summer(ish) but dress appropriately, even when it’s hot!’ one person noticed.
“It’s not just about Italy being Catholic, Holland is more or less atheist and it’s the same here, you don’t just wear your bikini when you’re not on the beach,” another person commented.
A few people were dismayed to learn of the standard.
“This makes me really sad because I just got comfortable in my skimpy bathing suits, but I usually bring a long dress as a cover up, but I plan to continue living there,” said one person.
‘Fine!’ Martin replied.
‘Once you live there you get used to it believe me!!! It’s easy to cover up and you’ll be fine, I promise.”
Most people thought a ban was not too much to ask.
‘Ppl should just stop assuming that their culture/norms will be the same in other countries. do your research before you travel to be more respectful!” one person wrote.
Marti, who works in marketing, also warned that it’s not just around beaches that visitors to Italy can be unintentionally offensive.
In some European countries, swimwear is only considered suitable for the beach
“If you’re visiting a church or anything religiously historic…chances are some places will tell you to cover up before entering,” she said.
One commentator noted that this could apply to Spain as well as other traditionally Catholic countries.
“I literally had to put on a denim jacket in Seville before going through the cathedral because my spaghetti strap dress was ‘inappropriate’, it was over 90 degrees,” the comment lamented.
Last year, the southern Italian resort town of Sorrento was fined more than $800 for those who wore inappropriate swimsuits when not in the sand.
Other cities, mainly in the south, have similar local sanctions to Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Mallorca.
