August is prime vacation time in Italy with this week in particular a popular time to hit the beach. Italians, and foreigners alike, headed for some Tuscan, Amalfi Coast and Sicilian islands will be paying a bit more for the privilege.
These islands are now charging a ferry landing tax of 1 euro per passenger in the cases of the Tuscan islands of Giglio and Giannutri and 1.5 euros for the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida along the Amalfi Coast and the Aeolian islands of Sicily.
The taxes are being collected by the ferry companies when tickets are purchased and are a way to try to help local governments struggling during the Italian financial crisis.
According to The Florentine, “Residents and homeowners, as well as workers and commuters, students, and other employees who have to travel to the two Tuscan islands will be exempt from paying the one-euro-per-person tax.” This will apply for the islands in the other areas of Italy as well.
About.com reports that the Amalfi Coast islands have cancelled their previous hotel tax so as not to penalize visitors who spend the night.