Spain continues to attract a large number of British holidaymakers, but issues such as excessive drinking and over-tourism have led popular destinations like the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands to implement stricter rules for visitors.
Various regulations have been introduced in these areas, including measures to prevent sunbed hogging, new vaping restrictions, and even a rule known as the ‘bikini ban’. Travelers from the UK are advised to acquaint themselves with these rules to avoid potential fines during their upcoming vacation.
To assist travelers, we have summarized some key regulations and recent updates that should be noted before embarking on a trip to Spain.
Spain has intensified its efforts to crack down on vaping, with penalties for vaping in prohibited areas being as severe as those for smoking. In 2025, the country implemented an outdoor smoking ban, encompassing public spaces like restaurant terraces, bar terraces, and beaches.
The ban covers smoking, vaping, shisha, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, with fines ranging from €30 to €2,000 (around £26 to £1,700). Initial offenses typically result in lower fines, but it’s essential to watch out for signage indicating prohibited areas.
If you plan to rent a car in Spain, consider your footwear choice carefully. Wearing flip-flops or slides while driving may lead to significant fines, as Spanish driving regulations mandate footwear that allows for proper pedal control, ruling out items like flip-flops, sandals, high heels, wedges, or driving barefoot. Fines can range from €80 to €200 (approximately £69 to £172) if officers deem your footwear inadequate for safe driving.
Therefore, when embarking on a road trip in Spain, remember to pack appropriate footwear for driving.
While it’s common to see individuals in swimwear in Spanish seaside resorts, certain destinations now require visitors to cover up when not at the beach or poolside. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines of up to €500 (around £430) in specific areas.
In response to issues with intoxicated tourists, some Spanish resorts have introduced strict measures such as prohibiting happy hours, all-you-can-drink promotions, and certain types of excursions to curb binge drinking and rowdy behavior.
Furthermore, hotels and establishments may take action against guests behaving dangerously on balconies, with potential evictions and fines imposed. Rules regarding public intoxication and private property gatherings are also being enforced in various resorts in Spain.
To deter the practice of reserving sunbeds with towels, some beaches have started imposing fines. In a case near Valencia, two individuals received a £250 fine for attempting to secure prime beachfront spots by reserving sunbeds with towels before 8am.
While not typically resulting in fines, several hotels in Spain are combating sunbed hoarding by either confiscating belongings or issuing warning notices if sunbeds are