Spain cracks down on tourist 'etiquette' as UK visitors warned of £624 fines
Spain's popular Costa del Sol is getting tough on ensuring tourists behave appropriately while on holiday with a new campaign pushing four key rules that, if broken, could result in fines of up to €750.
Malaga is one of Spain's most visited summer destinations, but has seen growing complaints about over-tourism this summer, with anti-mass tourism protests calling for intervention from the government to address issues with housing and struggling public services.
Activists claim their hometown has become a 'theme park for tourists', with some making reference to badly-behaved tourists who roam the streets topless or wearing only swimwear, play loud music or act in a rowdy manner when drunk.
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To address concerns, Malaga's local council has updated its tourism rules and put up posters across the centre in both English and Spanish to remind people how to be considerate while abroad. The posters are titled 'improve your stay in Malaga' and detail four key rules.
One tells visitors to 'keep the city clean', to use bins and 'be careful with monuments, historical heritage, gardens and public furniture'. Tourists have also been told to 'dress completely', both on the street and in public areas.
This means wearing a top 'for respect and hygiene' reasons, the poster says. A bylaw was introduced in 2023 making it illegal to be seen without a top or in underwear in public, with fines equalling £624 for rule-breakers who get caught.
Those using scooters and bicycles have been reminded to only use 'the spaces legally designated for this purpose' and 'in compliance with municipal ordinances' and to leave sidewalks free for pedestrians.
The final rule tells visitors 'do not be conspicuous' and adds: "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."