As part of its ‘Improve Your Stay’ campaign, a blunt warning to tourists has been plastered across on billboards and buses across a Spanish city – reminding Brits of a little-know rule
One of Spain’s most popular cities has unleashed a brutal clampdown on tourists this summer. Last year, the country’s iconic Costa del Sol witnessed a record-breaking 14.47 million visitors – a 3.17 per cent spike compared to 2023.
Many of these holidaymakers, particularly those from the UK, would have opted to stay in Málaga, a coastal city situated in the Andalusia region renowned for its golden beaches, stunning architecture, and nearby proximity to the steep, stomach-churning gorge of El Chorro. However, the city has updated a list of 10 strict rules tourists must follow, as part of its ‘Improve Your Stay’ campaign, which first launched in 2024.
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These demands have now been displayed on buses, billboards and across social media, and are reportedly designed to ‘ease tensions between tourists and residents’ amid the string of recent protests.
According to EuroNews, the brutal warning at the top of the list of golden rules is simple: “Dress completely.” Tourists are also being urged to ‘not be conspicuous’ and to keep the noise down, especially at night when they’re in residential areas.
The fresh warning comes after Málaga controversially upped its fines for unsociable tourist behaviour, including public drunkenness, excessive noise, and wearing inappropriate clothing in public. Flouting these rules now risks a hefty €750 (approximately £649.05).
Of course, wearing a bikini or swimming shorts while you’re kicking back at the beach or taking a dip in the hotel swimming pool is absolutely fine. However, if you’re caught roaming the streets topless, or in your swimming costume, you could find yourself in trouble.
The clampdown follows a barrage of complaints from locals over tourists trolling the city streets – many of which are home to religious sites – without being covered up. So even if you’re sweltering in 40C heat, make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has long warned Brits about the country’s strict clothing laws, which many Brits are completely unaware of. In fact, it has a section dedicated to Spain’s ‘dress code’ rules under its ‘Safety and Security’ page.
“In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts,” the FCDO states. “Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.”
It’s a similar situation over in the tourist-riddled hotspot of Algarve in Portugal, which is planning to fine tourists up to £1,250 if they’re caught wearing a bikini, trikini, swimsuit and similar forms of swimwear outside of ‘exempted areas’. These include seafront car parks, hotels, beaches, beach access points and swimming pools.
Has rising anti-tourist sentiment put you off visiting Spain this year? Let us know in the comments section below