Holiday fine warning as hotspots aim for quality tourism

Holidaymakers could find themselves facing additional fines this year, as European hotspots ramp up rules in a bid for quality tourism.

Travel insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are revealing some of the newest rules for Brits this year, with some carrying fines of up to €1,500.

Overtourism, anti-social behaviour and environmental impacts are the driving forces for many councils that have installed new regulations in holiday favourites like Palma, Albufeira and San Sebastian.

Some of the stricter regulations facing tourists this year include smoking and vaping bans on popular beaches and regulations on suitable clothing in public areas.

Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “With many household budgets already feeling the pressure, the last thing anyone needs is an unexpected fine while trying to enjoy their holiday, but it’s important that travellers do their homework before jetting off and make sure they don’t accidentally anger local residents or disrespect their cultures.

“It’s always important to review local rules and guidance before visiting any country, in order to respect their laws and avoid fines. Our research looked at recent and upcoming laws and regulations in some of the most popular tourist locations for UK travellers – revealing issues that holidaymakers need to be aware of.

“From vaping on the beach to wearing swimwear around the town, councils are putting their foot down in a bid to improve conditions for local communities and protect their home.

“Holidaymakers who break these rules could end up with huge fines, putting pressure on their holiday finances and even ruining their holiday.”

Changing holiday rules to watch out for;

San Sebastian – Shouting, vaping, litter and loudspeakers

This coastal town in Spain, right next to the French border, is very popular with tourists. But as a result, local people and community groups have complained extensively about the noise and litter piling up along the shore. Now, the council has banned smoking and vaping and will limit the use of loudspeakers. The city plans to fully implement these rules by June 2026.*

Albufeira – Swimwear, spitting and anti-social behaviour in public areas

In an effort to crack down on excessive tourist behaviour, Albufeira launched a new set of rules for holidaymakers in 2025. These new rules prohibit holidaymakers from wearing swimwear in public areas away from a beach or pool, and anyone not obeying this rule could receive an on-the-spot fine of up to €1,500 – joining Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Nice who have similar laws. The new code of conduct also bans forms of anti-social behaviour, including drinking alcohol in the street (fines from €300 to €1,500) or wild camping and spitting in public (fines from €150 to €750).**

Palma – Ban on party boats

Following growing concerns of overtourism, Palma unveiled new rules for its essential port. The city has banned party boats from 2026, as these often alcohol-fuelled attractions have received noise complaints from residents. Officials are working closely with the Balearic port authority in order to understand how the restrictions will be enforced, in the hope these measures will improve the quality of tourism in the area and make it more pleasant for local residents.***

Travel insurance can help travellers cope with the unexpected, as a price comparison site, Quotezone helps holidaymakers compare and save on all sorts of travel insurance products, from backpacker to annual or multi trip travel insurance. 

References:

*San Sebastian smoking on beach ban – https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/10/19/smoke-free-beaches-in-spain-san-sebastian-joins-the-push-for-cleaner-calmer-coasts#
**Albufeira fines for clothing – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn7g3nv34ejo
***Palma ban on party boats https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/12/17/palma-port-moves-to-end-party-boats-after-years-of-complaints/