- Tour groups arriving on the island of Capri are now limited to a maximum of 40 people to prevent pedestrian congestion.
- The use of loudspeakers for groups larger than 20 people is banned, requiring the use of individual headphones or earpieces.
- Tour guides are prohibited from using flags or umbrellas for identification and must use small, discreet signs instead.
- The new regulations are set to be enforced starting in the upcoming northern summer season to address over-tourism.
The island of Capri in Italy has announced a set of new regulations aimed at managing the volume of tourists and maintaining the quality of life in its famously narrow streets. These measures, scheduled to take effect during the upcoming northern summer, focus primarily on the size and behavior of organized tour groups. One of the central changes is a cap on group sizes, limiting them to a maximum of 40 people per group. This restriction is intended to prevent overcrowding and ensure that the flow of pedestrian traffic remains manageable for both visitors and residents.
In addition to limiting numbers, the authorities have introduced rules regarding noise and visibility. For any group exceeding 20 participants, the use of loudspeakers is strictly prohibited. Instead, tour operators must provide participants with headphones or earpieces to receive information from their guides. This move is designed to reduce noise pollution and minimize disturbances in public areas. Furthermore, the island is standardizing the way guides identify themselves. To avoid visual clutter and further congestion, guides are no longer allowed to use large or cumbersome items such as umbrellas or flags. They are restricted to carrying only discreet signs or regulation paddles.
These updates reflect a broader trend in popular European destinations seeking to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of local infrastructure and heritage. By enforcing these constraints on group size, noise levels, and guiding methods, Capri aims to foster a more sustainable environment for its high-traffic summer season. Travelers and tour operators are expected to comply with these new standards to help alleviate the pressures of over-tourism on the island’s limited geographic space.