Britons Beware! European Cities Hit Tourists With Fines Up to £3,000 amid Crackdown on 'Bad Behaviour'

British holidaymakers face fines of up to £3,000 across European destinations this summer as authorities implement the harshest crackdown yet on tourist misconduct.

Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal have introduced sweeping new penalties targeting everything from street drinking to wearing flip-flops whilst driving, with Mallorca leading the charge with €3,000 fines for disruptive behaviour.

The measures, which came into force across multiple regions in 2025, mark the most aggressive response yet to overtourism protests that have swept Mediterranean hotspots, with local officials warning that British tourists must adapt or face financial consequences that could devastate holiday budgets.

Overtourism Spurs Tough New Measures

Sun-soaked plazas and winding old-town streets may look idyllic in postcards, but for many European locals, the romance has worn thin.

'Locals are fed up,' said tourism advocate Birgitta Spee-König. 'These fines are signals that communities want to reclaim space. It's not that tourists are worse – it's more that the tolerance has gone. And it's important to consider that not every fine is a crackdown: some are calls for respect.'

With tourism numbers in many destinations surpassing pre-pandemic levels, cities are introducing harsher penalties to manage crowds and reduce anti-social behaviour. Officials argue these rules are designed not to deter visitors, but to encourage 'responsible and empathetic' travel.

From Spain's coastal enclaves to Italy's art cities, anti-tourism and overtourism protests have simmered for years. Early efforts, such as laws addressing the strain of unrestricted short-term lets, were steps in the right direction, but the latest round of fines marks a decisive shift.

Local governments are signalling a willingness to defend residents' quality of life, even at the cost of alienating visitors. The message is blunt: your holiday does not grant immunity from respectful conduct.

Still, punitive measures may not be the magic bullet. 'Fines won't shift culture,' Spee-König cautioned. While they may curb bad behaviour in the moment, she questions their long-term impact. 'Without better orientation, local governance and shared expectations, little will change. Destinations are homes, not playgrounds.'

The Complete Guide To Europe's Most Expensive Holiday Mistakes

Balearic Islands, Spain (Mallorca, Ibiza, Magaluf)

The party's officially over in Spain's most notorious hotspots. Public drinking outside licensed venues now carries fines up to €3,000 (approximately £2,600) for disruptive behaviour. All-inclusive resorts face strict new rules limiting guests to six alcoholic drinks daily, whilst shops cannot sell alcohol between 21:30 and 08:00. Fancy a midnight beach stroll? Think again—night-time beach access is banned, with penalties ranging from £450 to £2,500.

Albufeira, Portugal

Wearing bikinis or swim shorts on public streets, away from the beach, can result in fines of up to €1,500 (£1,300). Nudity in public spaces carries similar penalties.

Málaga, Spain

As part of its 'Improve Your Stay' campaign, Málaga has introduced fines of up to €750 (£650) for littering, excessive noise, careless scooter use, or walking shirtless on the beach.

Greece

Taking shells or pebbles from beaches can result in fines up to €1,000 (£865). Authorities have warned that even small amounts are prohibited to protect natural habitats.

Venice, Italy

Bathing in the city's canals is punishable by a €350 (approx. £300) fine. In Portofino, tourists risk fines of up to €275 (approximately £240) for lingering too long in 'no-waiting zones' designated to prevent congestion.

Across Southern Europe

Driving barefoot or in flip-flops is prohibited in countries including Spain, Italy, and Portugal, with fines reaching €300 (£260).

France

Some coastal towns have banned smoking on beaches, where you will face a fine of €90 (around £80) if you pay within 15 days, increasing to €135 (£116) thereafter. Certain beaches also enforce swimwear restrictions, with fines for non-compliance reaching up to €150 (£130).

Officials Defend the Crackdown—and Even the UK Backs It

Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press at the Spanish Tourism Office in London, said the measures were about 'encouraging responsible and empathetic travelling' that respects residents and local culture.

Earlier this year, Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvià in Mallorca, earlier during the year, stressed that tourism should enhance, not disrupt, community life:

'We must act with two main ideas in mind: the protection and preservation of the environment, and ensuring that tourism is in harmony with our society.'

'Tourism cannot be a burden on citizens.'

Britain's ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, has expressed support for the initiative, describing the £1,300 street-drinking fines in Mallorca as reasonable measures aimed at balancing the interests of tourists and residents.

How to Avoid a Costly Holiday Mistake

• Check local laws before travelling — rules can vary between regions in the same country.
• Respect dress codes — cover up away from beaches and resorts.
• Be mindful of noise — fines for disturbance are common in busy tourist zones.
• Carry a valid ID — mandatory in parts of Spain, with penalties for non-compliance.

The Brutal Truth For British Holidaymakers

Europe's sunshine, sangria, and seaside charm haven't disappeared, but the days of consequence-free revelry have definitively ended. With penalties now reaching mortgage-payment levels, British tourists face a stark choice: adapt to the new reality or risk transforming that dream holiday into a financial disaster.

The locals have spoken, the fines are real, and ignorance is no longer an excuse. This summer, the smartest souvenir you can bring home is your dignity—and your savings intact. Leave the lager lout behaviour where it belongs: in the past.