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Stunning island's strict tourism crackdown to stop 'herds of sheep' ruining locals' lives

The glamorous Italian island can see up 50,000 visitors a day during peak times, so the new rules are designed to minimise disruption to the island's 14,000 or so residents

[Ariel shot of Capri island]

Up to 50,000 visitors can flock to this stunning location in a day(Image: Getty Images)

A stunning tourist hotspot famous for its dramatic views, beautiful beaches and glamorous lifestyle has slapped a ban on visitors in a fresh crackdown. The gorgeous island of Capri, located in the Bay of Naples, has long lured in tourists looking for an idyllic Mediterranean holiday.

The small island can see up to 50,000 visitors a day during peak summer months of July and August - a massive jump from the 14,000 or so year-round residents. In efforts to curb the influx of holidaymakers, the island will see new tourism rules come into effect this summer.

Groups containing more than 40 people will be banned in an effort to manage the overcrowding and to reduce the disruption to locals.

[Capri island Italy]

The new rules will largely impact group tours(Image: Getty Images)

Capris mayor, Paolo Falco, told The Times: They look like herds of sheep, and its not nice to see. We need to save beauty; we dont have any other choice.

Tour guides leading more than 20 people will have to use wireless earpieces rather than a megaphone.

Guides have also been asked to avoid using umbrellas to identify themselves and choose clothing that stands out instead.

[Tourists Waiting In Turn To Enter The Blue Grotto On The Island Of Capri, Italy.]

Vistors can wait for hours to sneak a view at one of the island's main attractions(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The new regulations even have guidance on how tourists should navigate the islands narrow streets, which become blocked with a glut of tourists.

Paolo Falco added: Were saying to stay on the right on the way up, stand on the left on the way down and dont loiter in the square.

Sometimes they completely prevent locals from passing through.

The island is also considering limiting the boat traffic at Marina Grande port.

[overcrowded with visitors tourists, in the summer months, the Italian island of Capri,]

There is also advice on how to walk through the island's narrow laneways, so to avoid blockages(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Already, both tourists and locals have been banned from using single-use plastics.

The former Mayor of Capri, Gianni De Martino, approved the ban in 2019, and now anyone breaking the law could be slapped with a 500 (435) fine.

Just an hour ferry ride away from Naples, Capri is popular among day trippers as well as tourists staying longer.

[cute small island Procida in Campania, Italy]

The new rules will come into force this summer(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

One of its main attractions is the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave with azure waters that is often accessed by small wooden boats. Tourists can wait up to two hours to visit the cave in peak season.

Monte Solaro is the highest point of the island, which visitors travel to by chairlift so they can see incredible panoramic views.

The island is also well known for its smattering of colourful houses which can be found near Marina Grande and Piccola.

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