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The download torrent in flamesnew tourist fines sweeping Europe8 August 2025ShareSaveLaura HallShareSaveGetty ImagesThis year, several European countries have introduced hefty fines for badly behaved tourists. But why now – and will it change how people holiday?Picture the scene: your flight has just landed in Antalya, Turkey, and you can't wait to get off the plane. You unbuckle, spring from your seat and grab your bag from the overhead locker, eager to start your holiday. But you've been a bit too keen. A flight attendant takes you aside and issues you a swift €62 (￡54) fine because you have contravened a new rule: from this year, unbuckling your seatbelt or leaving your seat before the plane has stopped taxiing carries a penalty. It's a chastening start to your trip.This summer, Europe is cracking down on unruly holidaymakers. From wearing flip flops while driving to smoking on beaches, a new wave of tourist fines is sweeping the continent. In Portugal's popular seaside town of Albufeira, wearing swimwear off the beach could cost you up to €1,500 (￡1,307). In Spain's Balearic Islands – including Mallorca and Ibiza – public drinking fines can reach €3,000 (￡2,615). Even small infractions, like reserving a sunbed and disappearing, could put a dent in your holiday budget.At first glance, these measures might seem like biting the hand that feeds, since many of these destinations earn a significant amount of money from tourism. But authorities say the rules are aimed at protecting residents – and responsible holidaymakers."The rules, while they might sound rigid and punitive when listed out, are all about encouraging responsible and empathetic travelling," said Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press at the Spanish Tourism Office in London. "They are designed to protect the holiday experiences of the vast majority of people who behave responsibly on holiday."Getty ImagesResidents are fed up with unruly tourist behaviour (Credit: Getty Images)In Malaga, Spain, a new 10-point Improve Your Stay campaign has been rolled out across buses, billboards and social media to outline the type of behaviour expected in the town. It includes dressing respectfully, avoiding littering, excessive noise and reckless e-scooter use. Fines for up to €750 (￡650) will be handed out to those who do not comply.Thoughtful TravelWant to travel better? Thoughtful Travel is a series on the ways people behave while away, from ethics to etiquette and more.A similar code of conduct in public spaces was launched this year in Albufeira, banning everything from public nudity to urinating in public and abandoning shopping carts. Locals note that the resulting fines are not for show: police are visible in the town's key nightlife areas and visitors are being ticketed. While codes of conduct are common in environmentally fragile areas or culturally sensitive areas – such as the Galapagos Islands or Lapland's Sámi communities – their arrival in mainstream beach resorts signals a shift. Bad tourism behaviour has gone too far and authorities are trying to protect towns and residents from mass tourism's worst excesses.More like this:? Can Europe beat the overtourism crisis?? Why these new tourist taxes may be a good thing? Are 'the world's most beautiful islands' in danger?"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," said Juan Antonio Amengual, mayor of Calvià, Mallorca, in a speech earlier this year. "Tourism cannot be a burden on citizens."Getty ImagesTravellers who behave disrespectfully may now see themselves heavily fined (Credit: Getty Images)The list of fines is growing. Ryanair can charge disruptive passengers €500 (￡435) or more. Hiking Italy's Cinque Terre in inappropriate footwear could see travellers shelling out up to €2,500 (￡2,180). And France now fines smokers €90 (￡78) on the spot for lighting up in public beaches and playgrounds. Collecting a seashell in Greece could cost €1,000 (￡870); swimming in Venice's canals, €350 (￡305). How not to get fined in Europe this summerThe fine: Up to €300 (￡261) for driving in flip flops, bare feet or sandalsWhere? Spain, Greece, Italy, France, PortugalHow to avoid it: Wear proper shoes to drive The fine: Up to €1,500 (￡1,307) for wearing swimwear away from the beachWhere? Barcelona, Albufeira, Split, Sorrento, Cannes, VeniceHow to avoid it: Cover up when you leave the beach. The fine: Up to €3,000 (￡2,615) for drinking alcohol in publicWhere? Mallorca, Ibiza, Magaluf, Canary IslandsHow to avoid it: Drink in moderation in a bar, restaurant or at your villa or apartment.The fine: Up to €1,000 (￡871) for taking a shell or pebble from a beachWhere? GreeceHow to avoid it: Take a photo instead.The fine: €350 (￡305) for swimming in a canalWhere? VeniceHow to avoid it: Remember sewage flows into the canal; take a gondola ride instead."Locals are fed up," said responsible tourism advocate Birgitta Spee-K?nig. "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."Anti-tourism and overtourism protests have been growing in Europe for years. While small measures – including legislation recognising the impact of unrestrained short-term lets on local communities –have come into play, these new fines are taking it further. Local authorities are recognising that they need to stand up for residents and are showing themselves willing to risk upsetting tourists to do that. It’s also a signal to holidaymakers that being away from home isn’t a free pass for doing anything you want."Fines won't shift culture," said Spee-K?nig, noting that while they can work as a short-term measure, she doubts they can change behaviour in the long term. "Without better orientation, local governance and shared expectations, little will change. Destinations are homes, not playgrounds."It's too soon to say if the new fines are working. Robert Allard, who runs Go2algarve, a specialist travel firm serving the Algarve, has noticed new surveillance cameras and an increased police presence in Albufeira's nightlife areas. "Some people have been fined," he said, "but at the same time, people are not really aware of the new rules, even though leaflets are available in hotel lobbies and posters are visible."Behaviour change campaigns take time to work, and one season won't transform visitor habits. But the message is clear: sun, sand and sea are still on offer, but only to those who agree to enjoy them sensibly, sensitively and a little soberly.-- If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week. For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Thoughtful TravelCityFeatures
