rulebreakers

Local authorities in holiday hotspot Albufeira, Portugal, have warned that the new rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round

Tourists now face fines for misplacing shopping trolleys in a popular European destination keen to crack down on bad behaviour.

British travellers visiting Portugal this year risk fines of over £1,570 for breaking new public rules in the popular holiday destination of Albufeira. The fines range from a minimum of €150 to €1800 (£130-£1570) for ignoring tightened restrictions, which include misplacing shopping trolleys, lighting barbecues on the beach, and creating excessive noise.

Local authorities have warned that the rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round.

Over the years, Albufeira has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. With its stunning coastline, buzzing nightlife, and holiday appeal, it is easy to see why it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. But that popularity has come with some cost.

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A small number of visitors are engaging in disruptive, disrespectful or even dangerous behaviour. This has had an outsized impact on the town’s quality of life, particularly in peak season. From rowdy public drunkenness to inappropriate conduct in public spaces, these incidents have prompted concern from residents, visitors, business owners, and local authorities.

Following a year of work, the local authorities have unveiled a new code of conduct. It was put together through consultation with police, businesses and civil society organisations.

Signs have been placed across the city centre area to remind tourists and locals alike of the new rules. Authorities say the crackdown follows several high-profile incidents of disruptive behaviour last year, including viral videos of British tourists engaging in indecent acts on the main party strip.

Fines being introduced in Albufeira include:

• Wearing swimwear outside of authorised areas – €300 to €1,500 (£260–£1,300)
• Street drinking, urination or defecation in public – €300 to €1,500
• Public nudity or sexual acts in public – €500 to €1,800 (£435–£1,570)
• Sleeping in public or unauthorised camping – €150 to €750 (£130–£650)
• Spitting in public – €150 to €750 (£130–£660)
• Abandoning shopping trolleys/carts – €150 to €750

“With a €144 million investment in projects across the municipality over the last four years, Portugal is pushing to protect locals and keep its reputation as a family friendly destination.” an expert at One Sure Insurance explains.

“We are seeing fines introduced across Europe which could lead to tourists being caught out. Portugal is looking to introduce some steep fines, so we are asking British travellers to consider these new rules when on holiday to avoid unexpected costs to their trip.”

If you’re concerned about accidentally breaking one of the rules, you can speak to tourist information offices, hotel staff, your country’s consulate or local police for more details. In emergencies, dial 112.

Brits planning Greece summer holidays may want to double check the dress code rules before packing their bag – or risk being turned away at major hotspots

Brits heading on Greece holidays this summer may want to double check their suitcase, due to a strict dress code rule that applies at some of the country’s biggest hotspots.

That’s because there are certain types of footwear that have been banned at plenty of attractions so you could risk being turned away if you’re out and about sightseeing – or even face a fine of around 900 euros (£771).

Since 2009, high heels have been a no-go at the country’s ancient monuments as part of preservation efforts, including huge tourist hotspots like the Acropolis in Athens. In fact, a statement on the iconic landmark’s website explains: “Most types of shoes are allowed at the Acropolis, except for high heels that have been forbidden in 2009 at all of Greece’s ancient monuments. The ban was put in in place due to the damage that the sharp soles were adding to Greece’s ancient sites.”

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While most people will don the likes of trainers or other comfortable shoes for a day of sightseeing, if you are someone who braves heels, it’s worth noting that you won’t be allowed to enter the attraction unless you have a change of shoes with you. As for the fines, these tend to be aimed at those who actively flout the rules – for example if someone changed back into heels once they’d entered the monuments.

Travel insiders at insurance firm Tiger.co.uk recently reminded Brits of the rules, adding: “In Greece, wearing high heels is prohibited at certain historic sites, including famous attractions like the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theatre. This rule helps protect delicate surfaces from erosion and cracking. Sitting on ancient monuments is also discouraged out of respect for preservation efforts.”

It’s not the only dress code rule that Brits need to be aware of this summer. For those planning holidays to the likes of Spain and Italy, you may want to pack an extra beach cover up. That’s because certain holiday hotspots have rules in place that ban tourists from wearing swimwear away from the beach, with fines of up to €500 for rule-breakers.

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In Sorrento, Italy, for example the ban has been in place since 2022. The mayor at the time explained the crackdown came because too many tourists were walking around the town in bikinis or topless, and causing unease with locals.

They added at the time: “The continuation of this situation, as well as causing discomfort and unease in the resident population and among visitors, could lead to a negative judgment on the quality of life in our town, with consequences for its image and for tourism.”

Of course if you’re staying in a beachfront hotel or beach club and walking back in your swimwear from the shore to your room or cabana, you won’t be fined while you’re on property. The rules are to deter people who were leaving public beaches and then heading to restaurants or wandering around the shops without a cover-up.

Have you been caught out by a local rule while on holiday? Email us at [email protected].