An expert has said a crackdown on behaviour due to “mass tourism” has led to new regulations put in place
A warning to UK tourists in Spain has been issued by one expert, as local authorities look to crackdown on “mass tourism and public behaviour.”
Chris Harrington, Hoppa’s Managing Director, has come up with a list of regulations you should be aware of before jetting off for some Spanish sun.
The specialist said: “Spain is introducing a wave of new travel regulations in 2025, following record-breaking visitor numbers. These new regulations have been put in place to manage mass tourism and public behaviour, and are extremely important to follow.
“Failure to comply with new regulations can lead to holidaymakers being charged hundreds of euros, with more serious offences potentially incurring fines between €1,500 and €3,000.
“To help holiday makers enjoy their trip without facing any unwanted charges, we have put together a list of the 4 regulations you should be aware of.”
READ MORE: ‘I’m a British expat in Spain – here’s the REAL truth about anti-tourism protests’
Chris added being aware of local culture as well as laws put in place by the authorities is something to look into ahead of your holiday. He said: “Before travelling, it is a good idea to check the Spanish tourism board and ensure that you are abiding by the rules of the municipality you are visiting,” BristolLive reported.
Drinking bans
UK tourists in Spain must be aware of the public drinking bans which have been put in place. If you are caught drinking on the streets, parks or even beaches, you could be hit with a fine of up to €3,000.
Certain areas of Majorcan including Llucmajor, Palma and Magaluf, have also brought in new regulations which prohibits alcohol being sold between 9:30pm and 8am. The island has also placed a restriction on happy hour offers.
Beach fines
‘Unauthorised gatherings’ can get you into some hot water in Spain, with those who play music too loudly at risk of being slapped with a €750 charge.
Some areas such as Valencia, have also brought in fines between €1,501 and €3,000 for those caught setting up tents or shelters without prior approval.
Other rules UK tourists must be aware of include which places are now classed as ‘smoke-free.’ If you are found guilty of smoking on some of Spain’s beaches, you may be handed a €450 fine.
The same rule regarding drinking is applied to beaches, with those caught drinking on the beach or the promenade at risk of a fee from €1,501 to €3,000.
Parts of the Balearics and the Canary Islands have also begun introducing visitor limits on certain beaches.
READ MORE: ‘I bought fish and chips in Spain and was gobsmacked by the price tag’
Stag and hen-do ‘charges’
Platja d’Aro, in Costa Brava has brought out new fines for those who appear in public “with clothing representing human genitals,” in response to a growing number of stag and hen-do celebrations from Brits in the country.
The law bans those: “on the public thoroughfare without clothing or only in their underwear or with clothing or accessories representing human genitals or with dolls or other accessories of a sexual nature.”
Information required for accommodation or vehicle rentals
Hotels, private landlords and car hire companies will now give visitor information directly to the Spanish Ministry of Interior, in a bid to enhance Spain’s security.
Under the new rules, UK tourists will now have to provide their:
- Gender
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Landline phone number
- Mobile phone number
- Payment details and method
- Relationship to any children in the travelling party under the age of 14