Spain continues to be a favored destination for British holidaymakers, but issues related to excessive drinking and overtourism have led several popular locations like the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands to implement stricter regulations for visitors.
From initiatives to prevent sunbed hoarding to new restrictions on vaping and even a rule known as the ‘bikini ban’, travelers from the UK need to be aware before their next vacation; breaching these rules could result in significant fines.
To assist travelers, here are some key regulations and recent updates to keep in mind before your next Spanish getaway.
Spain is cracking down on vaping, with penalties for vaping in restricted areas as severe as those for smoking. Since 2025, the country has enforced an outdoor smoking ban that includes public spaces such as restaurant and bar terraces, as well as beaches.
The ban covers smoking, vaping, shisha, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, with fines ranging from €30 to €2,000 (around £26 to £1,700), typically starting at the lower end for first-time offenders. Look out for signage indicating where vaping is prohibited.
If you plan to rent a car in Spain, consider your choice of footwear carefully. High temperatures may tempt you to wear flip-flops or slides for a coastal drive, but this decision could lead to a hefty fine.
Spanish driving rules require footwear that allows for proper pedal operation, excluding items like flip-flops, sandals, high heels, wedges, or bare feet. Police can impose fines from €80 to €200 (approximately £69 to £172) if they deem you don’t have adequate control of your vehicle. Remember to pack suitable shoes for your Spanish road trip.
While it’s common to see people in swimwear near Spanish beaches, some destinations have introduced strict regulations mandating coverage away from the beach or poolside.
The FCDO advises that in certain parts of Spain, wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts in public areas is illegal, as is being bare-chested in some locations. Fines can go up to €500 (about £430) in specific areas. Similar rules have been implemented in parts of Italy due to residents’ dissatisfaction with tourists in swimwear.
Some Spanish resorts, particularly in the Balearic Islands, have prohibited activities like happy hours, all-you-can-drink deals, pub crawls, and party boat excursions to address issues related to intoxicated tourists. Hotels in Majorca have also limited daily drinks to curb binge drinking and antisocial behavior.
Local authorities are cracking down on street drinking and illegal parties at villas and private properties in various resorts across Spain.
Remember that hotels and establishments may remove you for dangerous behavior on balconies, potentially resulting in a fine.
While reserving sunbeds with towels is a common practice among British tourists, some beaches are imposing fines to deter this behavior. In one incident near Valencia, two individuals were fined £250 for saving sunbeds with towels before 8 am.
Although unlikely to result in fines, many Spanish hotels are tackling sunbed hogging by confiscating belongings or issuing warnings for unoccupied sunbeds.
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