The popular holiday destination has been overwhelmed with drunken Brits over the last few years – and now officials are cracking down with some new rules
Brits on holiday have become notorious for indulging in a bit too much sun and Sangria, often resulting in a classic one-day sunburn. But UK tourists could face more than just sunstroke at a beloved Spanish destination.
In Malaga, a spot long favoured by British holidaymakers, there’s a new push urging visitors to “dress completely” amid sightings of semi-naked, and likely sunburnt, Brits. Tourist officials have taken action by plastering posters throughout the city demanding fully dressed decorum or risk a heavy fine for public indecency.
Strikingly, these signs are predominantly in English, featuring a string of advisories about behaviour, drinking, and dressing properly. This is only then followed by a smaller translation in Spanish – signalling that Brits are the main focus of the campaign.
The rule isn’t new though; Malaga’s residents have been grumbling about scantily clad British tourists for a while. The city cemented its stance in 2023 with a strict ordinance against walking around undressed in public spaces, as reported by the Independent.
Flout this law, and you could be slapped with a €750 penalty for getting your guns out in the Mediterranean sun.
Post-pandemic travel has seen millions flock to Spain, exacerbating over-tourism issues in hotspots like Malaga. The city grapples with not just a housing crisis aggravated by Airbnb but simple nuisances such as litter and rowdy drunks.
Bold signs across Malaga now address tourists directly, urging them to honour the cleanliness of the city and show reverence to historic sites and community areas. Taking it up a notch, these notices are particularly aimed at brash Brits, admonishing them to keep a low profile and stay fully clothed.
The city’s also had enough of raucous chanting and blaring music, with placards stating plainly: “Do not shout, sing, or turn up the volume of your music.”
“Respect the resting hours of your neighbours, including the elderly, the sick, students, children and essential workers.”