Holidays to Europe are a relatively easy option for many Britons thanks to the proximity of the mainland. Spain has been proved time and time again to be the most popular holiday choice for British travellers. Italy, France, Croatia and beyond are also favoured. These destinations may share the same continent but they don’t always share the same rules. Some regulations in certain countries could take you by surprise – and you could be fined if found flouting them. This is what you need to know.
Spain
Britons abroad in Spain need to make sure they don’t overindulge on the sangria.
Some popular tourist resorts have banned drinking in the streets and unruly people may be fined on the spot.
It’s also illegal to play sport just a bikini or swimming shorts in the street as well as walk around bare-chested. Fines will be issued for those daring to bare by some local councils.
Croatia
Partial nudity is similarly frowned upon in Croatia, with just wearing swimwear or going shirtless frowned upon.
In Dubrovnik they even have signs up threatening an on-the-spot fine – reportedly 1,000 kuna (£125) – so be careful with any public disrobing.
Italy
Perhaps more unusually, it’s not worth taking a fancy to any Italian shell, pebble or sand – it’s an offence to make off with any of these. Pilfering nature’s coastal bounty could see tourists fined €1,000 (£922).
Italy may be great in the summer for those searching for heat, but no matter how toasty you get – or how much you want to be on la Dolce Vita – don’t try entering public fountains as it’s an offence and you risk being fined.
If you’re hiking in Cinque Terre National Park, wearing flip-flops or open sandals is banned, and it can be anything from €50 to €2,500 (£45 to £2,300). Excessively noisy footwear is also banned on the island of Capri – the locals value their peace and quiet.
A more unusual rule in place in the country’s capital Rome is how visitors use drinking fountains. Rome authorities have decreed that when drinking from public drinking fountains – known as nasoni (meaning large noses) – you are not allowed to let your lips touch the metal spout.
Instead, thirsty tourists are expected to place a finger underneath the mouth of the spout. This will result in water jetting out of a hole on top and creating an easy-to-drink arc of water. However, quite how this method of drinking will be policed is unclear.
Overly messing eating of snacks is prohibited at such important sites as the Spanish Steps, too.
France
It may be considered something of a fashion faux pas to wear budgie-smugglers in the UK – but it’s de rigueur in France.
In fact, it’s mandatory for men to wear swimming briefs in many pools in France – so it’s worth checking up on the rules before you visit a bathing spot.
Germany
Road safety is vital in Germany and it’s illegal to cross a pedestrian crossing before the light turns green.
Risk a mad dash across the street under the red man and you could be fined a €5-€10. And if you make the run and something does happen to you, it will cost you much, much more.
Turkey
No matter what holiday woes befall you in Turkey, do not take it out on any banknotes. Defacing or tearing up currency is an offence.
If you’re found guilty of this you could face a prison sentence of between six months and three years (plus strange looks as to why you’d want to destroy your holiday money).
Greece
If you’re on a big night out and fancy getting your bottom out for laughs – don’t. ‘Mooning’ and other indecent behaviour is illegal in Greece. Some fancy dress outfits could also be deemed offensive and break decency laws.
