Published on
August 11, 2025 |
Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and France require tourists to mind their behavior as the countries pursue a wider campaign by European authorities to tackle unsustainable travel habits that harm local communities and environments. As tourism grew so did administrative citations for public drinking, thong wearing off the beach and just plain bad behavior that disrupts both locals and the natural surroundings. Its actions are directed to promoting responsible travel, so that the economic benefits shared with local people and are not pushed past their ability level of safety being exceeded.
Tourists visiting Europe this summer are finding dramatically higher fines as the continent’s top tourist spots increasingly take a harder line on behavior that disrupts local life. From fines for wearing swimwear outside dedicated beach areas, to heavy penalties for public drinking, European cities are clamping down on behaviour that some see as unwanted or disrespectful tourism. Allegations include tourists who are fined over practices which until recently they would have considered perfectly non-malicious – such as putting towels on sunbeds and not turning up.
Though somewhat antithetical to already tourism-dependent economies, the rules have been put in place to preserve quality of life and the environment in top destinations.
Read on to learn more about the new wave of irresponsible travel behavior penalties — why some areas are taking these measures, and what travelers should know before their next trip.
The New Tourist Penalties: A Snapshot of Key Measures
As summer 2025 unfolds, an increasing number of European destinations have introduced new fines aimed at curbing irresponsible behavior by tourists. Let’s break down some of the key penalties travelers could face:
1. Leaving Your Seat Before the Plane Comes to a Complete Stop
In Antalya, Turkey, new rules have been enforced at the airport to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers. Passengers who stand or leave their seats before the plane has come to a full stop can now face fines. The penalty for such behavior is set at EUR 62 (GBP 54), sending a strong message that these safety protocols will be strictly adhered to.
2. Wearing Swimwear in Public
Several cities, including Albufeira in Portugal and Barcelona in Spain, have imposed fines for walking around town in swimwear. These fines can be as high as EUR 1,500 (GBP 1,307). This measure, while surprising, is part of a broader effort to maintain the decorum of public spaces and avoid the over-commercialization of local beaches.
3. Public Drinking
Tourists enjoying a drink outside designated zones are finding themselves faced with hefty fines in several Balearic Islands locations, including Mallorca and Ibiza. In some areas, public drinking can result in fines of up to EUR 3,000 (GBP 2,615). These penalties are part of a greater push to preserve local culture and prevent nuisance behavior in residential and tourist areas.
4. Reserving and Abandoning Sunbeds
One of the more recent anti-tourism regulations involves fines for reserving sunbeds and leaving them vacant for long periods. Though this might seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it disrupts other tourists who are unable to enjoy the beach due to unoccupied sunbeds. This practice has been banned in various popular destinations, with fines being imposed for those who fail to respect local guidelines.
Environmental and Cultural Preservation: The Driving Force Behind the New Measures
While some of these rules may seem harsh at first glance, local governments argue that they are necessary for safeguarding both the environment and community life. Overcrowding, environmental degradation, and the strain on public services have pushed many cities and towns to their limits. Authorities claim these new measures are designed to ensure that the benefits of tourism do not come at the expense of the local population’s well-being.
In locations like the Galapagos Islands and the Sámi communities in Lapland, similar codes of conduct have long existed due to environmental concerns. However, this trend is now expanding to more mainstream destinations. The focus is on achieving a harmony between the influx of tourists and the well-being of local communities.
1. Tourism’s Impact on Local Life
Local officials in many destinations argue that tourism must not become a burden. As Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvià in Mallorca, puts it, “Our goal is to protect the environment and maintain harmony between visitors and residents.” These penalties reflect an increasing desire to protect local heritage, resources, and public spaces from the adverse effects of overtourism.
2. Preserving the Local Culture and Environment
As tourism grows, so does the need to ensure that its impact is sustainable. Spain’s new “Improve Your Stay” initiative, launched in Malaga, aims to promote respectful conduct among tourists. This program includes everything from noise level guidelines to responsible e-scooter usage. Tourists found in violation of these rules could be fined up to EUR 750 (GBP 650). The idea is to promote respectful behavior while ensuring that the community’s needs are met.
In Albufeira, Portugal, behaviors such as public nudity, urinating in public spaces, and leaving shopping trolleys behind are now subject to fines. These measures are being enforced by the local police who patrol nightlife zones and issue tickets.
A Wider Range of Penalties Across Europe’s Popular Destinations
The penalties do not stop at public drinking or wearing swimwear away from the beach. Authorities in several European countries have introduced additional rules that target irresponsible behavior in a variety of settings:
1. Driving in Inappropriate Footwear
In countries such as Spain, Greece, Italy, France, and Portugal, drivers may face fines of up to EUR 300 (GBP 261) for operating a vehicle while wearing flip-flops, sandals, or going barefoot. This rule aims to prevent accidents caused by inappropriate footwear while driving.
2. Taking Beach Pebbles or Shells
In some parts of Greece, it is now illegal to take pebbles or shells from beaches, with fines reaching EUR 1,000 (GBP 871). This initiative is designed to protect local ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of the region’s coastal areas.
3. Swimming in Venice’s Canals
Tourists in Venice have been informed that swimming in the canals will incur a penalty of EUR 350 (GBP 305). This measure is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the city’s fragile infrastructure and limit the environmental impact caused by mass tourism.
4. Smoking Bans on French Beaches
In France, smoking on public beaches has been prohibited, with fines of EUR 90 (GBP 78) for those caught violating the rule. The goal is to reduce litter and protect the environment, particularly in areas where cigarette butts can harm marine life.
5. Footwear Requirements for Hiking in Cinque Terre
In Italy’s Cinque Terre, tourists are required to wear appropriate footwear when hiking along the coastal trails. Fines for failure to comply can reach EUR 2,500 (GBP 2,180). This rule is in place to protect both hikers and the natural environment of this UNESCO-listed site.
Pushback from Locals: Why These Measures Matter
Anti-tourism protests have been gaining traction for years, with measures like limits on short-term rentals already in place in some regions. However, these new fines have sent the clearest signal yet that local governments are ready to prioritize the needs of residents over those of visitors.
The growing sense of resentment towards overtourism is not just about rules; it’s about reclaiming the right to peaceful, sustainable living in a world increasingly dominated by mass tourism.
Respecting Local Culture and Environment
While these new punishments may come off as restrictive to the freedoms of tourists, they stem from a move towards responsible tourism that will ultimately benefit both travelers and locals. The end game is not about finding ways to deter tourism, but education and advocacy to inspire respectful and mindful travel that protects the environment — and culture, tradition and way of life in many destinations.
In Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and France new rules of behavior for tourists come into effect which are aimed at combating negative manifestations of irresponsible tourism against local population and surrounding nature. The new sanctions, which could be imposed for offenses like public drinking and rowdiness, are part of a broader drive to encourage responsible tourism that ensures visitors and residents both benefit from the industry without changing the local way of life.
Travelling to a new place, we all know that familiarizing yourself with local customs and regulations is an important factor. While these rules may be frustrating at times, they are a necessary evil and important to continued tourism being an enjoyable experience for everyone. Following these principles will help tourists engage in sustainable tourism and also protect the places that we like to visit.
