Spain holiday warning for tourists over fines for bikini wearing and alcohol

Spain is a favourite holiday spot for Irish travellers, and with thousands set to jet off there in the coming months, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has been keeping tourists in the loop with the latest advice.

If you’re planning a Spanish getaway, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest rules that could significantly affect your trip. The past few years have seen significant changes in this popular holiday destination, driven by the impacts of the Covid pandemic, Brexit fallout and changes in regional laws, reports the Irish Mirror.

Local residents, tired of excessive noise and unruly behaviour from some holidaymakers, have successfully pushed for stricter measures to curb such activities. Travellers can face hefty fines if they flout certain rules on things like wearing bikinis, consuming alcohol and misbehaving on balconies.

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Bikinis and going shirtless

While bikinis are perfectly acceptable on Spanish beaches, that’s where they should stay in some parts of Spain. In Malaga and Alicante, fines for going topless or wearing a swimsuit in unauthorised places range from €300 to €750.

Men without shirts and women in bikinis can face fines up to €300 on the streets of Barcelona and Majorca. Tourists will need to cover up in certain areas to avoid being fined, so it’s a good idea to bring a cover-up to the beach. Fines can even be issued on streets near the beach, so holidaymakers should keep their tops on until they reach the sand.

Soap and shampoo

Tourists could be slapped with a hefty €750 fine for using soap or shampoo at some communal beach showers, as these products’ chemicals can harm marine life.

Smoking

Smoking is off-limits on certain beaches in Spain, including Barcelona, the Balearics and the Canary islands. Smokers should keep an eye out for designated smoking zones to avoid fines of up to €2,000.

Balconies

The DFA has urged Irish citizens to exercise caution on balconies to prevent accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. “Several of these have resulted in the death or serious injury of an Irish citizen,” the DFA confirmed.

They advised: “It is important to exercise caution when using hotel and apartment balconies, particularly if you have consumed alcohol or drugs, and to avoid taking unnecessary risks. If you suffer a balcony fall while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your insurance company may refuse to cover any resultant costs.” To curb ‘balconing’, Spain has introduced fines of up to €60,000.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol on the streets is also prohibited in some Spanish areas like Barcelona and Madrid. Holidaymakers who break these strict rules could face fines of up to €600. Holidaymakers in parts of Majorca and Ibiza are also set to face drinking restrictions, including a six-drink limit at some all-inclusive resorts.

In an effort to curb unruly behaviour from certain tourists, party boat cruises, unlimited drink bar crawls and some drink offers will also be prohibited.

For the full travel advice for Irish citizens planning a holiday in Spain can be found on the DFA website.

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