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Dhaka: From flip-flop driving to canal swimming, holidaymakers across Europe are facing a wave of new fines aimed at cracking down on unruly behavior.
Imagine landing in Antalya, Turkey, eager to step off the plane. Before the wheels have even stopped rolling, you are on your feet, bag in hand—only to be pulled aside and fined EUR 62 (GBP 54) for breaking a new rule that bans leaving your seat before taxiing is complete.
This is just one example of the growing list of penalties travelers could face this summer as authorities in popular destinations take a harder line.
In Albufeira, Portugal, strolling around town in swimwear can now cost up to EUR 1,500 (GBP 1,307). In Spain’s Balearic Islands, public drinking fines can soar to EUR 3,000 (GBP 2,615). Even seemingly harmless holiday habits, like reserving a sunbed and disappearing for hours, are being targeted.
At first, these measures might seem counterintuitive for economies that rely heavily on tourism. However, local officials argue the new rules are about protecting residents and ensuring responsible travel.
“These guidelines might sound strict, but they are designed to make holidays better for everyone,” said Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press, Spanish Tourism Office in London. “It’s about safeguarding the experience for those who behave respectfully.”
Campaigns for better behavior
In Malaga, Spain, a new “Improve Your Stay” initiative promotes respectful conduct through posters, bus ads, and social media. Tourists who ignore the guidelines—covering everything from noise levels to e-scooter safety—could be fined up to EUR 750 (GBP 650).
Albufeira has gone further, banning public nudity, urinating in the street, and even abandoning shopping trolleys. Police patrols in nightlife zones are already issuing tickets.
While strict codes of conduct are common in environmentally sensitive areas like the Galapagos Islands or among the Sámi communities of Lapland, their arrival in mainstream beach resorts marks a shift. Authorities say overtourism has pushed local tolerance to its limit.
“Tourism must not become a burden,” expressed Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvià in Mallorca. “Our goal is to protect the environment and maintain harmony between visitors and residents.”
Expanding list of penalties
- Driving in flip-flops, barefoot or sandals—up to EUR 300 (GBP 261) in Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Portugal.
- Wearing swimwear away from the beach—up to EUR 1,500 (GBP 1,307) in Barcelona, Albufeira, Split, Sorrento, Cannes, Venice.
- Public drinking—Up to EUR 3,000 (GBP 2,615) in Mallorca, Ibiza, Magaluf, Canary Islands.
- Taking shells or pebbles from beaches—up to EUR 1,000 (GBP 871) in Greece.
- Swimming in Venice’s canals—EUR 350 (GBP 305).
Other rules include smoking bans on French beaches (EUR 90/GBP 78 fines), footwear requirements for hiking Italy’s Cinque Terre (up to EUR 2,500/GBP 2,180 fines) and airline penalties of EUR 500 (GBP 435) or more for disruptive passengers.
Residents push back
Responsible tourism advocate Birgitta Spee-König says these fines reflect a growing desire by locals to reclaim their spaces. “It’s not necessarily that tourists are worse—but the tolerance has faded. This isn’t just enforcement; it’s a request for respect,” she said.
Anti-tourism protests have been building for years, with measures like limits on short-term rentals already in place in some regions. However, these new fines are the clearest signal yet that local governments are willing to upset visitors to protect community life.
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