Spain Warns Tourists: Fines for Common Holiday Habits in 2025
Spain News
Published: 31 March 2025 12:05 CET
Planning a sunny escape to Spain this summer? Then you might want to brush up on a few local rules before you pack your flip-flops.
Authorities across Spain are tightening regulations in some of the country’s most popular tourist hotspots—including Barcelona, Ibiza, and parts of the Balearic Islands—with hefty fines now being handed out for things that used to fly under the radar.
Starting this summer, travellers can be fined for what might seem like everyday holiday habits: drinking alcohol on the beach, wandering shirtless through town, or even smoking on certain stretches of sand.
Here’s what holidaymakers need to know before heading off to the sun:
No More Boozy Beach Walks
In an effort to cut down on antisocial behaviour and noisy nightlife, public drinking is now banned in many areas of Spain’s major cities and beach resorts. This includes the streets and beaches of Barcelona, Madrid, and several islands. Getting caught with a drink in hand in these restricted areas could set you back anywhere from €100 to €3,000, depending on the offence. Organised pub crawls are also on the chopping block—especially in places like Barcelona’s Eixample district, where officials are working to reduce rowdy tourist behaviour in residential neighbourhoods.
Smoking Is Out Too
Spain is continuing its push for cleaner, healthier public spaces by expanding smoking bans on beaches. Many coastal towns now prohibit lighting up on the sand, with fines reaching €500 for those who ignore the rule. It’s all part of a wider initiative to reduce litter and protect the environment—something Spain’s local councils are taking seriously.
Keep the Volume Down
Whether you're staying in an apartment rental or enjoying the buzz of a seaside terrace, noise regulations are being strictly enforced. In places like Alicante, there are now quiet hours in homes and limits on TV and music volumes in bars after midnight. Penalties start at around €600, but in more serious cases (particularly in Ibiza and Mallorca), fines for noise violations can climb to €300,000.
Don’t Wash with Soap in Beach Showers
It might sound minor, but using soap or shampoo in public beach showers is a fineable offence in some regions. It’s considered environmentally harmful, and enforcement is getting stricter—with fines reaching up to €750.
Watch Out for Unlicensed Rentals
As tourist numbers bounce back, local governments are cracking down on illegal holiday rentals. In popular cities like Valencia, Barcelona, and Palma, you must stay in a registered, licensed property. Landlords are required to collect passport information from guests and submit it to local authorities. Booking through unofficial channels can leave you open to last-minute cancellations, fines, or even eviction.
Car Rentals? Know the Rules
Renting a car in Spain this year? Some towns—including Soller in Mallorca—have low-emission zones and restrictions on rental vehicles entering historic centres. Rental agencies are also required to collect the same personal information as hotels, so make sure you’ve got your ID ready.
What You Wear Matters
Walking around town shirtless or in a bikini might be second nature on holiday, but in cities like Barcelona, it's now considered a public offence. Local police can issue fines on the spot for “inappropriate dress” outside of designated beach areas.
Bottom Line
Spain remains one of Europe’s top summer destinations—but tourists are being urged to respect local laws and customs to avoid a nasty surprise during their trip. From noise restrictions to beach etiquette, the message from Spanish authorities is clear: enjoy your holiday, but don’t leave your manners at home.
