Imagine stepping onto the stunning island of Capri, where rugged cliffs meet turquoise waters and bougainvillea drapes over charming villas. This year, Italy is introducing new ways to manage overtourism in some of its most beloved spots, and Capri is leading the charge. They aren’t shutting the doors on visitors, though. Instead, the focus is on encouraging a more thoughtful and respectful travel experience, especially for organized groups. Starting in summer 2026, you might notice some changes, but they all aim to keep Capri feeling special for everyone.
Capri island group size limits
For years, Capri has been the definition of Italian island chic. It’s a place that has drawn everyone from ancient Roman emperors to modern-day icons. But the very things that make it so famous are also pushing its limits. Just imagine this: about 13,000 people call Capri home year-round. On busy summer days, that number can swell to as many as 50,000 visitors arriving by boat and ferry. That’s more than three times the local population, all funneling into the island’s narrow streets, scenic viewpoints, and lively piazzas.
To help manage this influx, Capri’s town council unanimously approved new measures for organized tour groups, set to begin in summer 2026. If you’re part of a guided group, the maximum size will be capped at 40 people. For groups larger than 20, you’ll see a shift away from loudspeakers. Instead, guides will use discreet wireless earpieces to communicate with their groups. Even the bright umbrellas or signs that guides often use to keep their groups together are being phased out. Guides will now need to use a simpler, more understated paddle. And those sticky adhesive stickers some operators might put on visitors are no longer allowed, as they often end up scattered on the streets.
It’s interesting to know that Capri has had rules about visitors for quite some time. Going back to the 1960s, wearing wooden clogs in public was forbidden because of the noise they made, and playing radios loudly in public was also banned. So, these new rules, while noticeable, feel like a continuation of an effort to maintain a certain quality of life and visitor experience on the island.
One of the key goals of these changes is to make Capri more livable for both residents and visitors. Imagine exploring Piazza Umberto I or the Marina Grande docks without feeling overly crowded. These new regulations aim to free up space, giving pedestrians more breathing room and making your strolls along the charming routes more relaxed. The idea is that by managing large groups better, the island’s unique character, which draws so many people in the first place, can be better preserved.
For those of you dreaming of a longer stay, like spending a night or even four on Capri rather than just a day trip from the Amalfi Coast, this could be your sign to book it. The hotel managers on the island note that guests who stay longer get to see a completely different side of Capri. Especially in the early mornings and late evenings, when the crowds thin out, the island reveals a more intimate and authentic vibe. You’ll have more time to soak in the quieter moments and truly experience what makes Capri so special, beyond the usual tourist hustle. Independent visitors, those traveling on their own or in small, unorganized groups, will find that these new rules do not affect them at all. Your experience will largely remain as you expect it to be.
Florence adjusts outdoor dining areas
If you’ve ever walked through Florence on a warm, sunny afternoon, you might have noticed how some streets and piazzas have become quite filled with outdoor dining setups. Tables, chairs, protective barriers, branded umbrellas, and even semi-permanent wooden structures can create a bit of a maze. It’s a situation that arose from the desire to dine alfresco, but in streets not originally designed for such extensive use, it can make navigation challenging.
To address this, Florence is introducing new regulations starting in early 2026. Approximately 60 streets within the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will no longer permit outdoor dining. This includes well-known areas like Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Via Roma, and Via Maggio. An additional 73 streets will face stricter rules, banning plastic tarps, advertising banners, and brightly colored lighting from their outdoor dining spaces. Enforcement has already begun, with many fines issued in the early weeks of March, indicating the seriousness of these upcoming changes.
For locals and visitors who love dining outside, this is a bit of a mixed bag. While the beauty of enjoying a meal or drink under the Italian sky is undeniable, especially during spring and fall, the need to reduce congestion and clear pathways for essential vehicles like ambulances and delivery trucks is also very important. These streets can indeed become very crowded, impacting the flow of necessary services and general pedestrian movement.
Some see these measures as a first step to tackle overtourism, but there’s also a feeling that it might be a temporary fix. The concern is that these changes could impact businesses that rely on their outdoor seating, especially since expanding indoor dining space isn’t always an option in historic buildings. The hope from some quarters is for more sustainable approaches that address the root causes of mass tourism, aiming for a long-term balance that benefits both the city and its visitors.
Dolomites village promotes slower visits
Tucked away in the stunning Val di Funes in South Tyrol, the village of Santa Maddalena presents a view that appears almost unreal. The iconic Odle Peaks pierce the sky behind a quaint baroque church and scattered Alpine farmsteads, creating a scene that often glows in the evening light, a phenomenon locals call “enrosadira” or Alpine glow.
This breathtaking spot gained significant attention after appearing on SIM cards distributed by a Chinese mobile operator over a decade ago. What was once a cherished discovery for hikers has since become a major tourist destination, drawing mainly day-trippers who often arrive, take a photo, and leave without lingering. This pattern of visitation has led to considerable congestion and calls for more sustainable tourism practices.
The mayor of Funes, Peter Pernthaler, has spoken about the challenges posed by the narrow local roads. With around 600 visitors arriving daily during peak season, many of whom are focused solely on capturing a photograph, the situation can become unmanageable. The goal is to bring order to the area, ensuring that both residents and tourists can move around freely and without getting stuck in traffic. The village aims to manage the flow of visitors more effectively.
There has been some confusion internationally about upcoming changes, with reports of a barrier preventing access for those not staying overnight. However, the reality is that a barrier already exists. Starting in May 2026, this barrier will be moved to the center of Santa Maddalena, near the small church. This change means that tourists will need to park their cars further away and walk to reach the church area. A parking fee will also be implemented.
“Day visitors are still very welcome in Santa Maddalena,” assures Fabian Messner, manager of Hotel Fines. He clarifies that the initiative isn’t about restricting access to the village as a whole. Instead, it’s about managing traffic in a specific, very narrow section of the village to prevent cars from driving directly up to the church. The underlying hope is for visitors to slow down. The village wants guests to spend more time exploring its culture, local products, and the surrounding nature, rather than just snapping a quick photo and moving on. This shift encourages a more respectful and engaging experience.
For those who do plan to stay longer and embrace the concept of slower travel, Val di Funes is South Tyrol’s first Slow Food Travel Destination. You can explore working farms, visit traditional mountain huts, and hike trails like the Adolf Munkel Trail, which offers stunning views beneath the Odle Peaks. These experiences allow you to truly connect with the region’s character and natural beauty.
We found that planning our visit for the late afternoon allowed us to capture some of those iconic sunset shots in Santa Maddalena, and then we spent a relaxed evening at our nearby accommodation, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. It felt like a perfect way to experience the Dolomites without adding to the midday rush. When we visited Florence, we made sure to book our outdoor dinner reservations well in advance, choosing a street that was known for being less congested and then enjoyed a leisurely evening stroll back to our hotel, taking in the historic architecture.