Spain has introduced a number of new regulations for tourists this summer, with fines of up to £2,500 for those who make ‘one drinking error’
Brits jetting off to Spain could be hit with hefty fines of up to £2,500 if they fall foul of the country’s strict drinking laws this summer.
As the holiday season approaches, travel experts are warning UK sunseekers to brush up on Spanish regulations or face penalties.
Organising “unauthorised gatherings” could see Brits forking out as much as €750 for blasting tunes too loudly. In places like Valencia, setting up unapproved tents or shelters might land you a fine ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.
Spain’s beaches are increasingly becoming smoke-free areas, with lighting up potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, while sipping a drink on the sands or promenade could set you back between €1,501 and €3,000.
The Spanish authorities have tightened the rules on public alcohol consumption, banning it on streets, parks, and beaches, reports the Express.
Caught with a tipple in public?
You could be coughing up to €3,000. Majorcan hotspots such as Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf have even curtailed alcohol sales from 9:30pm to 8am and clamped down on happy hour promotions.
For those who throw loud parties without permission, a €750 fine awaits, and Valencia’s crackdown includes hefty charges of up to €3,000 for unsanctioned tent pitching.
Many beaches have now become smoke-free zones, with a fag potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, and penalties for boozing on the beach or promenade ranging from €1,501 to €3,000.
Spain has also put a cap on daily visitors at certain beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Platja d’Aro, in Costa Brava, has announced fines up to €1,500 for appearing in public “with clothing representing human genitals” in a crackdown on stag and hen dos from Blighty.
The bylaw specifically bans people from appearing “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”.
There’s also new information required for those wanting to book digs or hire motors. Information gathered by hotel owners, private rental providers and car hire companies will now be passed on to the Spanish Ministry of Interior to bolster the country’s national security.
Visitors 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.
Chris Harrington, Managing Director at travel experts hoppa, 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 slapped with hundreds of euros, with more serious offences potentially incurring fines between €1,500 and €3,000.
“To help holiday makers enjoy their jolly without facing any unwanted charges, we’ve compiled a list of the 4 regulations you should be aware of.”
Chris added: “Spain is an incredibly popular tourist destination for British holidaymakers. But it’s more important than ever to be mindful and respectful when holidaying.
“By travelling with awareness of the local culture and regulations, you can contribute to a positive travel experience for yourself and others. 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.”