Spain will fine tourists for inappropriate behavior

Popular resorts in Spain are planning to increase fines for tourists whose behavior offends residents. In Marbella, those who urinate in the sea will have to pay 750 euros. The rules are being introduced on 25 beaches in the council, which is a favorite holiday destination for British tourists. 

According to a law passed in 2004, those who committed such an offense were fined 300 euros. The new proposal, which would nearly double that amount, must be subject to public comment before becoming law. The tougher measures are explained by the desire to keep the beaches on the Costa del Sol clean. However, it is not yet clear how the rescuers on duty will identify those who urinate in the sea. 

The tightening of rules will not only affect people. The Marbella City Council plans to ban dogs from entering the sea, even on those beaches that are intended for their walking.

Marbella is not the only Spanish resort where tourists are fined for urinating in the sea. In 2022, the city of Vigo in Galicia passed a similar law. Here, anyone caught in the act must pay 750 euros. According to local regulations, urinating in the sea is considered a minor offense and a violation of sanitation.

Benidorm, a popular resort in Valencia, also tightened fines for tourists this year. It is prohibited to be on the beaches here from midnight to 7 a.m., sleep or camp on the shore. Anyone on the coast during this time will have to pay between 750 and 1,200 euros. For playing ball outside specially designated areas, as well as for lying on the sand under an umbrella, you can be fined 120 euros, for using soap and shampoo while taking a shower — 670 euros, for swimming under a red flag — 1000 euros.  In addition, Benidorm has introduced fines for being naked on non-nudist beaches and for leaving the beach area in inappropriate clothing.

The resort town of Palma wants to not only fine but also arrest tourists who walk in swimsuits on the streets. Currently, such an offense carries a fine of 600 euros, but residents believe that this is not enough. They argue that tourists at home would never allow themselves to appear in such a form in a public place. But when coming to the resorts, many for some reason forget about the rules of decency and wear a bikini to supermarkets, cafes, shops, etc. Residents of Palma, who are offended by this behavior, remind guests of the city that beachwear is only for the beach and demand tougher punishment for violators.

Airbnb also took care of the peace of mind of the residents of Spanish resorts. To prevent illegal parties from taking place in rental properties, she decided to implement a new security system. The details of her work have not yet been disclosed. But it is already known that the program takes into account several different criteria, including the location of the property, reviews of previous tenants, dates and rental periods. A similar system has already proven effective in other countries and has helped reduce the number of illegal parties by 55%. An improved version has been introduced in Spain.

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