From ball games on the beach to wearing swimming costumes around town, here are all the rules to ... [+]
Tourists flock to Lake Garda in summer for the laidback lakeside lifestyle, cool water and pretty towns.
But there are several regulations visitors should be aware of to avoid costly fines.
Last month, local media reported that hundreds of people were slapped with fines for disrespectful behavior.
From ball games on the beach to wearing swimming costumes around town, here are all the rules to follow.
Cars and bikes are banned from Sirmione town center
Sirmione is one of the most visited places on the lake, thanks to its flower-adorned town center and thermal water.
But be careful how you access the historic center.
Both cars and bicycles are banned from the area. The only exception is for residents and hotel guests.
Don’t swim naked or play ball games on Lake Garda’s beaches
Taking a dip without a swimsuit is a bad idea at Lake Garda. On most beaches along the shore, naked swimming is banned.
According to local media reports, transgressors can be hit with fines of thousands of euros.
Authorities have also prohibited football and other games that involve running or “throwing objects.”
Playing music or musical instruments loudly in a way that disturbs other beach users is forbidden, too.
Fines for transgressors range between €100 ($110) and €600 ($660).
Wild camping and barbeques are forbidden
Along most areas of the lakeshore, wild camping is banned.
You should also avoid having barbeques, lighting bonfires or having picnics.
Don’t hang your laundry out to dry on balconies
The town of Limone has become so frustrated by tourists stringing their wet clothes across balconies that they’ve imposed some rules.
Limone, Italy - September, 5. 2019: Tourists at the harbor of Limone. Limone is located at Lake ... [+]
Laundry must not be strung outside windows, on balconies or on terraces in the old town.
Those who break the rules face penalties of up to €500 ($550).
Dogs aren’t allowed on Lake Garda’s beaches
On most of the lake’s beaches, dogs and other animals are not permitted.
The locality of Torri del Benaco takes this rule one step further and prohibits dogs in the water if other bathers are nearby.
Don’t walk around in just a swimsuit
On the shorefront between the towns of Malcesine and Peschiera del Garda, there is a strict dress code.
Don’t think you can just wander around in beach attire. Men are forbidden to go around without a shirt on, while women cannot be dressed only in swimming costumes.
No bachelor or graduation parties on Lake Garda
If you’re thinking of throwing a party along the shores of Lake Garda, think again.
Between Malcesine and Peschiera del Garda, graduation celebrations and bachelor or bachelorette parties are banned.
If you’re caught reveling, you face a fine between €50 ($55) and €500 ($550) and any party-related “objects” may be confiscated.
