Easter holidaymakers are being warned about the unexpected laws in eight popular European countries that could result in fines or imprisonment if ignored. Acts that may seem entirely harmless in one country can be taken very seriously in others, so it is vital for travellers to respect local laws and customs. Luckily, experts at Tiger.co.uk have spotlighted several laws that many holidaymakers may not be aware of.

Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: "Heading off on a holiday to experience new countries and new cultures is always exciting, but it's important to research your destination beforehand to ensure you're not breaking any laws or disrespecting the local people. "Activities that may be legal in your home country could be prohibited elsewhere, and unintentionally offending locals could result in fines or even imprisonment while abroad. Something as simple as hanging wet swimsuits on the balcony in Switzerland or wearing high heels to historic sites in Greece, could land tourists in hot water. While most travellers aren't trying to purposely break the law, it can be easy to fall foul of unfamiliar local rules when travelling.

Mr Wilson warned: "Travel insurance won't generally cover you for medical expenses or travel disruptions if you're found breaking the law so it's crucial to get familiar with local rules to stay safe and ensure your cover remains valid".

In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now be fined €250 (£216) for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed. This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight.

Despite the sunny weather, Italy has banned the wearing of swimwear outside beaches and pools to uphold public decency and respect for locals. In popular destinations on the Amalfi Coast and in Sorrento, tourists caught breaking this rule can face fines of up to €500 (£432).

If you're heading to the beach in Portugal, make sure you locate the nearest toilet before getting comfortable, as urinating in the sea is illegal and can land you with a fine of up to €750 (£649) - although pregnant individuals are exempt from this rule.

In Greece, wearing high heels is prohibited at certain historic sites, including famous attractions like the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theatre. This rule helps protect delicate surfaces from erosion and cracking. Sitting on ancient monuments is also discouraged out of respect for preservation efforts.

Thinking about hanging your swimwear out on the balcony to dry when on holiday in Switzerland? Think again! It's illegal to hang washing outside on Sundays as part of laws that ensure no disruption on this day of rest.

For those on a fishing holiday, another surprising law is that you can't take selfies with fish if you plan to release them back into the water - this rule aims to minimise the pain and suffering of the fish.

In Turkey, defacing currency is illegal and can lead to a prison sentence of up to three years, as it's considered a serious insult to the nation and the Turkish flag. Insulting Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Republic of Turkey, is also a serious crime, with penalties of up to five years in prison.

It might be tempting to take a handful of sand as a souvenir when visiting French beaches, but tourists should think twice, as removing sand, shells, or pebbles is strictly prohibited and can result in hefty fines, as part of ongoing efforts to protect the coastal environment.