Spain travel warning for Irish tourists as fines in place for wearing bikinis and using shampoo

When it comes to holidaying abroad, it is many people’s downtime to let loose and enjoy their freedom from work, the worries of home and the somewhat dreary Irish weather.

However, most people still behave respectfully and treat the places they travel to with dignity – but not everyone. Because of this, there are rules punishable by fine put in place to protect establishments, areas and their local residents from badly behaving tourists.

Irish tourists are being warned over rules that would be easy to break accidentally that could cost you hundreds of euro in Spain.

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Spain sees an influx of Irish people visiting each year as it is the most popular holiday destination for Irish people, with over 2.5 million visits made each year according to government statistics.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued advice to those travelling to help avoid breaking regional rules which have been put in place by mostly local authorities, and so can differ from place to place.

It is essential to remember that even though you are just visiting, local laws apply to you and it is your responsibility to follow them.

Swimwear in public

Bikinis and swimwear are completely fine on any Spanish beach, for taking a dip in the sea and enjoying the suns rays on a lounger.

However, in a number of areas, the beachfront is where they must stay – at least, wothout having something else on top to cover up.

In Malaga and Alicante, there are fines in place for going bare-chested or wearing just a swimsuit in unauthorised places. These fines range from €300 to €750.

Topless men and women in bikinis can face fines up to €300 on the streets of Barcelona and Majorca too, as the cities crack down on people taking their casual beachwear onto the streets.

Soap and shampoo

Be aware that using soap and shampoo at communal outdoor beach showers is forbidden in some places and can lead to a fine so look out for signs in the area referring to this.

These showers are just for rinsing the sand and salt water off yourself, as the run off from the soap ends up in the ocean, and can cause damage to local plant and sea life.

Alcohol

“Alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland. Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is generally not permitted and may result in a fine,” says the DFA.

Tourists in parts of Majorca and Ibiza are facing hefty fines for drinking alcohol on the streets as part of new rules to curb “excessive tourism.”

Holidaymakers could be fined between €750 and €1,500 if their public drinking “disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment”.

If the offence is considered very serious, the fine could range from €1,500 to €3,000.

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