British Tourist Couple Fined and Banned from Venice After Swimming in Grand Canal
A British man and his girlfriend have been fined and temporarily banned from Venice after being caught swimming in the city’s iconic Grand Canal, an act considered both illegal and disrespectful by local authorities.
The 35-year-old British national and his 25-year-old Romanian partner were spotted by gondoliers as they bathed in the historic waterway. The couple, reportedly celebrating the end of a romantic trip, were quickly reported to police. Both received fines of €450 (approximately £388) and were ordered to leave Venice within 48 hours.
Venice’s city council confirmed the pair had violated local rules that prohibit behavior deemed inappropriate or disrespectful, particularly in the city’s UNESCO-listed areas.
“The order, which was immediately enforceable, effectively put an end to their holiday,” said the city council in an official statement.
Vice Mayor Elisabetta Pesce praised the swift action, saying,
“I thank the gondoliers for their cooperation and for promptly reporting the matter. The city remains committed to taking a firm stand against uncivil behavior. Protecting Venice means preserving the dignity of a city that is unique in the world.”
The incident is the latest in a string of tourist-related violations as Venice cracks down on overtourism and inappropriate conduct. Over 1,000 visitors have already been barred from the city center in 2025 for violating local rules.
Residents and members of the “Venice is not Disneyland” Facebook group expressed outrage, calling the couple’s behavior “dangerous” and “senseless.” One commenter wrote, “We don’t want these disrespectful tourists,” while another said the couple should not have been allowed to leave Italy without first paying the fine.
Locals also criticized the incident as a sign of “cultural emptiness” and a complete lack of common sense.
