Gallipoli 'chicken coop' rentals: 480 tourists found in 70 inspected homes, fines exceed 48,000 euros

Inspections across two beach districts

Guardia di Finanza, supported by local police, inspected 70 vacation rentals in the Baia Verde and Lido San Giovanni districts of Gallipoli, in the province of Lecce. The operation targeted short-term lets popular with young holidaymakers from across Italy. Across the inspected properties, authorities identified 480 tourists, including 123 minors, paying weekly rents of 2,000 to 5,000 euros.

Overcrowded apartments and garage conversions

Inspectors found several properties far exceeding authorized capacity. In one apartment cleared for a maximum of nine occupants, 17 youths were identified, 11 of them minors. Two garages classified as vehicle storage spaces had been rented out as holiday accommodation; further technical checks are underway with the competent municipal office. One landlord was reported to the Public Prosecutor's office for failing to communicate guest identities to the Lecce police headquarters, as required by law. The criminal proceedings remain at the preliminary investigation stage.

Violations and fines

Authorities recorded 27 violations of Gallipoli Mayor's Ordinance No. 4 of 24 June 2026, with over 100 people found exceeding authorized capacity. Under Puglia Regional Law No. 9 of 10 June 2025, each person beyond the legal limit triggers a 480 euro administrative fine and an evacuation order for the overcrowded premises. Total fines for the landlords and operators involved exceed 48,000 euros.

National identification code and tax checks

Inspectors also found 37 violations for failure to display the CIN, the National Identification Code, with administrative fines of up to 8,000 euros for each individual violation. Authorities are additionally reviewing each operator's position to verify regular payment of taxes.