Spanish tourist hotspot bans bikinis and going shirtless and brings in £500 fine

24 March 2024 , 13:14

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Spanish tourist hotspot bans bikinis and going shirtless and brings in £500 fine

Brit holidaymakers are being warned to put it away as some could face hefty fines for donning swimwear in Spain.

The top destination popular with UK sunseekers is enforcing new dress code rules which could result in penalties of £500 for those flouting them in bikinis or swim shorts. The new laws dictate what people can wear in public, with the risk of penalties if they don't follow the rules.

As the summer season is around the corner and many UK families plan their getaways, they're being urged to bear these new rules in mind. These rules apply not just in Barcelona, but in other places throughout Spain, and they concern wearing bikinis and roaming about without a shirt in public areas.

Walking around in bikinis or swim shorts could land you in hot water due to new rules in Spain (Getty Images)

It's absolutely fine for visitors to strut around in their beachwear at the beach or by the hotel pool. But, when strolling about town, they might want to think about swapping their swimsuits for regular clothes. Everyone knows how hot it can get in paradise-like Barcelona, with 30C beaters common during the summer so who wouldn't want to bare a bit of skin while exploring the city or enjoying refreshments at local bars?

But, experts in travel warn that local authorities won't take too kindly to such attire, Birmingham Live reports. As Henry Sunley, the boss at Travel Republic put it, "The announcements from The Foreign Office of various new rules that will be coming into effect in some popular holiday destinations might be overwhelming news for people who have already booked their holidays."

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"Understanding the new rules and how they could affect you should be a priority to make sure that nothing takes you by surprise during your trip. With these announcements strict laws could also see travellers handed a £500 fine for wearing a bikini or going shirtless in Spain."

"The Foreign Office has issued warnings that if people are caught without being properly clothed in some areas near to beaches they will be stopped by the police. Tourists are fine to wear bikinis and swimwear on the beach or poolside - but if you head to local shops and restaurants, you could end up being fined if dressed inappropriately."

Susie Beever