Italian beauty spot to fine visitors €275 for lingering too long

Portofino on the Italian Riviera faces “anarchic chaos” due to overcrowding during high season
Portofino on the Italian Riviera faces “anarchic chaos” due to overcrowding during high season
ALAMY

Italians who are rediscovering their own country triggered a tourism boom at Easter, forcing the mayor of Portofino to introduce no-waiting zones for pedestrians to stop overcrowding in the village’s famed cobblestoned piazzetta.

Two “red zones” at the Italian Riviera beauty spot are intended to avoid thronging in restricted areas where visitors pause for a selfie and end up jostling with organised tour groups and passengers waiting to return to their cruise ships.

Matteo Viacava, the mayor, said that the no-loitering rule was necessary to put an end to “anarchic chaos” that could become dangerous and prevent access for emergency services.

The ban will remain in effect until October 15 and applies from the morning until 6pm. Anyone guilty of flouting it will be fined