Yahoo News New strict rules for holidaymakers visiting Spain
An expected rush of post-Covid holidaymakers in Spain’s sunny tourist spots has prompted the introduction of a number of strict rules.
The country has seen disruptive behaviour from a minority of disrespectful travellers who are negatively impacting local life.
In anticipation of this influx of holidaymakers, several Spanish councils and city authorities have introduced more stringent bylaws to protect the environment and the local culture.
Here are the rules you should keep in mind when spending some time under the Spanish sun:
Is there a dress code in Spain for tourists?
Clothes associated with “drunken tourism” have been banned from several coastal restaurants in Mallorca.
Chief executive of Palma beach Juan Miguel Ferrer said: "Since May 10, we’ve been suffering the arrival of large groups of tourists who are only looking to get drunk in the streets, or on the seafront or even on the beach,” Mr Ferrer said.
“You’re not going to come here in beach clothes or come straight from drinking in the streets."
At the eleven seaside spots, mostly in the Playa de Palma area, football jerseys, swimwear and novelty accessories – including gold chains and snorkels from street vendors – will be banned.
Shirtless customers will also not be permitted entry.
This rule extends to the streets of Barcelona and Mallorca, where you may face a fine of around £250 for the offence.
According to travel advice issued by the UK government, you may also be subject to fines if walking in swimwear along the beach promenades or surrounding streets.
What rules are changing on the beach?
Beach regulations on Spanish beaches have changed to encourage a cleaner environment at regular tourist spots.
Javea in Alicante has joined Barcelona city council’s decision to ban smoking on its beaches.
In the northwest Galacia region, the council in Vigo have introduced fines of up to £650 for leaving human waste in public spaces.
New regulations stated that “physiological evacuations in the sea or on the beach" will now breach health and hygiene laws.
Bylaws on the beach also extend to other litter. This includes grills or gas cylinders, using soap in the beach water and any form of litter.
Are there limits on alcohol consumption in Spain?
A cap was introduced in April on alcohol consumption in all-inclusive packages at hotels in parts of the Balearic Islands.
Rules state that alcohol may only be consumed at mealtimes, lunch and dinner, with a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day.
The policy applies to Magaluf, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and San Antonio in Ibiza.
“Off-licence” sales between 9.30 pm and 8 am are also banned under the law.
More information on Spanish travel advice can be found here.
