For generations, the Amalfi Coast has captivated travelers’ imaginations. Long before the spectacular coastline was populated by affluent Romans in sumptuous homes, ancient Greek and Italian seafarers loved its magnificence.
The postcard-perfect towns along the Amalfi Coast have recently become recognized for their roles in great films. Scandal in Sorrento, a 1955 film starring Sophia Loren, increased footfall in what was already a popular holiday destination for the discerning jet-set, while Under the Tuscan Sun and The Talented Mr Ripley are more modern films that have used the location as a background.
It’s little surprise that the pastel-colored cities have established their place in art, literature, and film over the years. Every year, millions of visitors travel to the Italian coasts to stay in some of the country’s most magnificent hotels, swim in the pristine waters, and dine on genuine dishes against the backdrop of the colorful cities that flow down the cliffs.
Travelers seeking to film their cinematic journeys along this well-trodden European route, however, may encounter some difficulties this summer.
According to the Italian news outlet Il Post, the mayor of Positano, undoubtedly the most popular town on the Amalfi Coast, has banned tourists from loitering in two of the most popular areas.
Mayor Matteo Viacava implemented red zones over the Easter weekend to reduce human traffic congestion that sometimes cause problems during peak season.
The majority of the traffic is caused by tourists stopping to admire the beauty – and wanting to be shot against one of the world’s most gorgeous settings. If you stay too long, your once-in-a-lifetime excursion may come at a cost – a fine of €275 to be exact.
The red zones are currently located in Portofino’s center; according to Il Post, this is “the area between Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta and the Calata Marconi quay, to the north, and between the square and the public toilets of the Umberto I pier, to the south.”
These limits are in effect between 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m., which means the rules are lifted just in time for a golden hour selfie in front of the glistening waters – not that we’re encouraging lingering, of course…
This is not the first tourist location or popular attraction in the world to impose restrictions on photos and loitering visitors. Visiting the Jewel House in the Tower of London? If you are discovered taking photos, you may risk a strong reprimand from security.
While some destinations implement rules and regulations out of respect, such as Mecca in Saudi Arabia, others do so to ensure tourist safety, such as Pamplona in Spain, where attempting to photograph the bulls that rampage through the narrow streets can result in a hefty fine and, of course, serious injuries.