Spain travel rules for Brits from ‘bikini ban’ to flip-flop fines | Travel News | Travel

Spain is a favourite holiday spot for Brits, but over time issues related to unruly behaviour and overtourism have led to stricter regulations for visitors in many popular destinations. This includes the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, with new rules preventing sunbed reservation for extended periods, to fresh vaping restrictions and even a regulation known as the ‘bikini ban’.

Brits should be aware of these changes before their next holiday; breaching some of these rules could result in a substantial fine. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most significant rules and recent amendments to keep in mind ahead of your next Spanish escape.

Vaping fines

Spain continues to clamp down on vaping, with penalties for vaping in prohibited areas being just as severe as those for smoking. In 2025, the country implemented an outdoor smoking ban, covering a range of public spaces, from restaurant and bar terraces to beaches.

The rule includes smoking, vaping, shisha, any heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, with fines ranging from €30 to €2,000 (approximately £26 to £1,700), although first-time offenders are likely to face a penalty at the lower end. Be sure to check for signs before taking a puff on your vape.

Footwear restrictions

Planning to hire a car in Spain?

Think carefully about your footwear choice before setting off. Whilst a scorching day might tempt you to slip on flip-flops or slides for a leisurely coastal drive, doing so could land you with a substantial penalty.

Spanish driving regulations stipulate that footwear must allow ‘free movement’ to operate the pedals correctly, which excludes items such as flip-flops and sandals, high heels, wedges, or even going barefoot. Police officers are authorised to impose fines ranging from €80 to €200 (approximately £69 to £172) if they believe you lack proper control of your vehicle.

Therefore, if you’re embarking on a Spanish road trip, remember to pack appropriate shoes to switch into.

Dress codes and ‘bikini bans’

Whilst visiting a Spanish coastal resort, it’s commonplace to spot men wandering about topless or women sporting bikinis whilst travelling to and from the beach. Nevertheless, certain Spanish destinations have grown weary of such displays and have implemented stringent regulations requiring tourists to cover up when away from beaches or poolside areas.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) travel advice for Spain states: « In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. 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. »

Penalties can reach up to €500 in certain locations, approximately £430. Spain isn’t the only country where such rules apply – parts of Italy have also introduced similar restrictions, following complaints from locals about tourists wandering around towns or attempting to enter restaurants in their beachwear.

Alcohol crackdowns and bans

For many holidaymakers, a trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a sangria or two. However, it’s no secret that Brits can sometimes overindulge whilst on holiday, leading to strict crackdowns and bans being enforced in areas weary of inebriated tourists.

In the Balearic Islands, particularly in Magaluf and Playa de Palma in Majorca, as well as San Antonio in Ibiza, there are now prohibitions on happy hours, unlimited drink deals, pub crawls, and party boat trips. Some all-inclusive resorts in Majorca also restrict daily drinks to six; three at lunchtime and three at dinner, in an effort to curb excessive drinking and unruly behaviour.

Certain resorts on both the mainland and the islands are clamping down on street drinking, as well as unauthorised parties taking place in villas and private properties.

The FCDO also warns: « Hotels and other establishments will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine. »

Reserving sunbeds

Reserving sunbeds with a towel remains a widespread practice amongst British holidaymakers, despite it being liable to irritate fellow travellers, but certain beaches are now tackling the behaviour with penalties. At a resort near Valencia, two pensioners were handed £250 fines for reserving sunbeds by placing down towels before 8am to secure a prime beachfront position.

Whilst it’s improbable to result in a fine, numerous Spanish hotels have taken action against sunbed monopolisers by confiscating their belongings or issuing warning cards if sunbeds are left vacant for a specified period.