Holidays are for relaxing, enjoying the sun and taking some time away from the daily grind. But your break could end up costing you more than anticipated if you don't keep an eye on what is - and is not - allowed in your destination of choice.
Holidaymakers jetting off to Spain need to be aware of six rules that could result in a fine of up to £2,500 if they are not followed. Taking a shirt off or wearing a bikini off the beach are among the rules tourists are being asked to aware of before their travels.
Others include information about alcohol consumption, smoking, and using shampoo, Chronicle Live reports. Not all rules will apply in every part of Spain - so check before you travel in case any of them affect your plans.
Wearing bikinis and taking shirts off
For those heading out to the beach to catch some sunshine, be aware that you'll likely need to cover up your bikini. Men walking around with their shirts off, or women wearing only bikinis or swimwear could be hit with £250 fines and these fines have reportedly already been dished out in Barcelona and Mallorca.
As UK Foreign Travel Advice states: "In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts/trunks. Being bare-chested has also been banned in some areas of Spain. Some local councils will impose fines if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or the adjacent streets."
It adds: "For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain don’t allow the burka or niqab to be worn in their buildings. If you visit town council buildings wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it while inside."
Alcohol limit
In certain areas of the resorts of San Antonio, Magaluf and Playa de Palma there are prohibitions on happy hours, open bars (such as all you can drink in 1-hour offers), the sale of alcohol from vending machines, self-service alcohol dispensers and the organising of pub-crawls and party boat trips. The law also prohibits “off-licence” sales between 9:30pm and 8am in those areas and in Magaluf (Calvià) and Playa de Palma on the island of Mallorca, and San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany) on the island of Ibiza.
Those on all inclusive holiday packages in those areas have a six drink limit - three with lunch and three with dinner.
No soap or shampoo at the beach shower
At Spanish beach showers you can be fined up to £620 if you are caught using soap and shampoo to wash. This is because the chemicals in these products are harmful to marine life and has been made illegal.
Illegal naps and beach sleeping
While it could be tempting to want to sleep under the stars on the beach, it illegal and in regions like Valencia can see Brits slapped with a massive £1,240 fine. Camping on the beach is also against the law and could result in the same fee having to be paid.
Public nudity and barbecues
Anyone caught stripping off on a non-nudist beach can expect a stern dressing down along with a £620 fine. But biggest fine holidaymakers can be hit with is in regards to beach barbecues. While a bit of a grey area, those hoping to have one should seek permission beforehand because in some areas such as Salobrena, you can be handed a massive £2,500 fine.
No smoking
The Spanish government ran a pilot scheme last year banning smoking across popular beaches in the country. So if you're a smoker, it's best to check the rules for your holiday destination of choice.
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