The glamorous Italian island can see up 50,000 visitors a day during peak times, so the new rules are designed to minimise disruption to the island’s 14,000 or so residents
A stunning tourist hotspot famous for its dramatic views, beautiful beaches and glamorous lifestyle has slapped a ban on visitors in a fresh crackdown. The gorgeous island of Capri, located in the Bay of Naples, has long lured in tourists looking for an idyllic Mediterranean holiday.
The small island can see up to 50,000 visitors a day during peak summer months of July and August – a massive jump from the 14,000 or so year-round residents. In efforts to curb the influx of holidaymakers, the island will see new tourism rules come into effect this summer.
Groups containing more than 40 people will be banned in an effort to manage the overcrowding and to reduce the disruption to locals.
Capri’s mayor, Paolo Falco, told The Times: “They look like herds of sheep, and it’s not nice to see. We need to save beauty; we don’t have any other choice.”
Tour guides leading more than 20 people will have to use wireless earpieces rather than a megaphone.
Guides have also been asked to avoid using umbrellas to identify themselves and choose clothing that stands out instead.
The new regulations even have guidance on how tourists should navigate the island’s narrow streets, which become blocked with a glut of tourists.
Paolo Falco added: “We’re saying to stay on the right on the way up, stand on the left on the way down and don’t loiter in the square.
“Sometimes they completely prevent locals from passing through.”
The island is also considering limiting the boat traffic at Marina Grande port.
Already, both tourists and locals have been banned from using single-use plastics.
The former Mayor of Capri, Gianni De Martino, approved the ban in 2019, and now anyone breaking the law could be slapped with a €500 (£435) fine.
Just an hour ferry ride away from Naples, Capri is popular among day trippers as well as tourists staying longer.
One of its main attractions is the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave with azure waters that is often accessed by small wooden boats. Tourists can wait up to two hours to visit the cave in peak season.
Monte Solaro is the highest point of the island, which visitors travel to by chairlift so they can see incredible panoramic views.
The island is also well known for its smattering of colourful houses which can be found near Marina Grande and Piccola.
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