Aussies heading on their Euro summer holiday are being warned not to break a new wardrobe rule being introduced in one particular Italian hotspot – or face a hefty fine.

From June, tourists who walk around in their swimwear or shirtless in the small fishing village of Varenna by Lake Como face a fine of between €50 to €200 – about $80 to $300.

Authorities say the new rule will help preserve the town’s appearance and guarantee tranquillity for its tiny community of residents.

The town has a population of just 650 but attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Highlighting the policy on the towns official tourism site, authorities describe it as an “amendment to the urban police regulations”.

“Throughout the entire municipal territory of Varenna, it is prohibited to remain shirtless or wearing only swimwear, except on beaches, piers and boat docks,” the site reads.

Speaking to The Guardian, Varenna mayor Mauro Manzoni said the town had to put its residents first.

“Varenna is a wonderful village and we are proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year,” the mayor told the publisher.

“However, our residents’ quality of life cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mass tourism.”

The tiny Lake Como town is one of many places in Italy imposing a crackdown on tourist behaviour, with Sorento on the Amalfi Coast and Portofino on the Italian Riviera implementing similar measures in years gone by.

In 2022, Sorento mayor Massimo Coppola previously said that bare flesh damaged the image of the town, with the local government going on to issue fines of up to €500 ($800) for people not entirely dressed.

Claiming it was upsetting locals, the mayor told The Times: “The continuation of this situation, as well as causing discomfort and unease in the resident population and among visitors, could lead to a negative judgment on the quality of life in our town, with consequences for its image and for tourism”.

Elsewhere in Europe, visitors in Barcelona can wear swimwear at the beach or at a swimming pool but doing so in town could land you a fine of $445.

It’s the same tale for Mallorca, with swimwear limited to beaches and pools and fines of up to $900 for those who don’t comply.