The season of dreamy days by the sea is in full swing in Europe. But as pressure from overtourism mounts and coastal environments come under threat, many beaches across the continent are introducing increasingly strict regulations, according to a report by Euronews. To avoid having possessions confiscated or paying hefty fines, here are the rules travellers might not know about.
Bans on beach equipment
Some beaches prohibit beach equipment to protect the natural environment, Euronews reports. In Sardinia, Punta Molentis in Villasimius has restricted the use of umbrellas, tents and gazebos. The local mayor initially announced that only those over 65 or with children under 10 could use one; after a backlash, this was changed to one per family or group, placed where beach attendants indicate.
On Pelosa beach, also in Sardinia, visitors may only use beach towels if they place mats underneath them to trap less sand, with the rule reportedly enforced more strictly this year and possible €100 on-the-spot fines. In Greece, 251 beaches now permit no structures of any kind, including sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
No smoking on the sand
More than 600 beaches in Spain have banned smoking and vaping, including those in Barcelona, San Sebastián and many in the Canary Islands and Balearics. France introduced a nationwide prohibition last year on smoking on beaches bordering bathing waters, with fines of €135. Many coastal areas in Italy have also banned cigarettes, particularly in Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Sardinia and Puglia.
Skip the swimwear in the streets
Urban centres near beaches have become increasingly strict about swimwear away from the sand, according to the Euronews report. In Sorrento, southern Italy, wandering around town in a bikini or swimming trunks can bring a fine of up to €500. In Portugal's resort town of Albufeira, anyone caught wearing only swimwear outside designated beach areas, hotel zones or pools faces fines from €300 to €1,500.
In parts of Spain such as Barcelona and Majorca, going topless or wearing swimwear in local shops and restaurants can cost up to €300, while in Malaga, the city hall has put up signs in English reminding visitors that local rules on behaviour apply to them too.
In the Croatian coastal towns of Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar, "disturbances to public order" laws target anyone walking around bare-chested or in swimwear, with fines of up to €150. In Nice, going topless around town carries a €35 on-the-spot fine, and the Lake Como town of Varenna has followed the seaside trend with fines of up to €200.
No peeing in the sea
Vigo, in the northern Spanish region of Galicia, has imposed a €750 fine since 2022 for what it calls "physiological evacuation on the beach or in the sea". In 2024, Marbella followed suit, prohibiting underwater urination at 25 beaches in the Malaga municipality.
Keep the music down
Beachgoers in Portugal face fines of thousands of euros for playing music too loudly. Portable speakers blasting tunes at high volume were banned by the country's National Maritime Authority from 2023, with fines ranging from €200 to €4,000 for individuals and €2,000 to €36,000 for groups. The offending speaker can also be confiscated.
And no elephants either
Dogs are not allowed on many beaches in Italy, Spain, France and Croatia during high season, especially Blue Flag areas, or are permitted only in the early morning or late evening. Horses are similarly banned in many places during the summer months.
As for elephants, the Euronews report notes they have been prohibited in Granville, Normandy, since 2009, when a travelling circus let its elephants bathe in the sea, leaving droppings in the water.
Source: Euronews
