British holidaymakers planning autumn and winter trips to Spain are being urged to familiarise themselves with new regulations and longstanding rules being more strictly enforced across popular regions.
From limits on all-inclusive drinks to dress codes and tourist taxes, the changes affect many of Spain’s busiest holiday hotspots.
Alcohol limits
In recent years, Spain has steadily tightened regulations in response to concerns from local residents about overcrowding, rising rents and disruptive tourist behaviour. While many of the measures have been in place for some time, authorities are warning that enforcement is being stepped up – with fines and penalties already issued this year.
One of the most significant changes came in 2019, when Spain’s Balearic Islands government introduced legislation aimed at curbing excessive drinking in resorts such as Magaluf, Playa de Palma and parts of Ibiza.
The rules, which remain in effect, limit all-inclusive holidaymakers to six alcoholic drinks per day, split evenly between lunch and dinner. Guests cannot order additional alcoholic beverages as part of the package outside those times.
The regulations also banned “two-for-one” drink promotions, pub crawls and party boats in designated “special zones”, and introduced fines for activities such as balcony jumping. Tour operators are legally required to inform customers about these restrictions before they travel.
Spanish authorities have emphasised that these measures are not new – but this autumn, local police forces are carrying out additional inspections to ensure compliance, after a series of incidents during the summer months. Tourists caught breaking the rules face fines ranging from €1,000 to €6,000, depending on the offence.
Tourist taxes and accommodation rules
Many Spanish regions now charge a tourist tax per person per night, which is collected by hotels and passed on to local authorities. The Balearic Islands and Catalonia both levy this tax, with rates varying by accommodation type and season. For example, visitors staying in four-star hotels in Mallorca currently pay around €3.30 per night, while guests in budget hostels or campsites pay less.
The Valencia region – including the popular Costa Blanca – is also due to introduce a similar “Valencian Tourist Tax”, although implementation has been delayed until at least 2025. When it comes into force, rates are expected to range from €0.50 to €2 per person per night.
Officials advise travellers to check their accommodation booking details carefully, as the tax is usually collected on arrival and must be paid separately from the holiday package price.
In addition, Spanish law requires tourists to stay only in registered tourist accommodation. Many local councils have stepped up checks on illegal holiday rentals, particularly in cities like Barcelona, where residents have long complained about unregulated short-term lets driving up housing costs. Guests staying in unregistered properties risk being evicted and may not have access to legal protections if problems arise.
Dress codes and conduct in resorts
Tourists should also be aware that several regions have introduced dress codes for public streets and restaurants near the beach. In Barcelona and Mallorca, walking shirtless or wearing only swimwear away from the seafront can result in fines of up to €300.
Some restaurants in Mallorca have introduced their own rules banning football shirts, novelty costumes and swimwear, particularly in areas popular with British tourists.
Authorities say these measures are intended to “encourage respectful tourism” and maintain good relations between visitors and residents. Local police have been issuing more on-the-spot fines this year as part of an ongoing effort to discourage antisocial behaviour.
Crackdown on illegal parties and noise
Another area of increasing enforcement is the crackdown on illegal parties. In Ibiza, officials have introduced heavy penalties for organisers and attendees of unauthorised events held in private villas or rural locations. The rules were brought in following a series of noise complaints and safety concerns, with fines of up to €300,000 for organisers and €30,000 for attendees.
Check before you travel
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises travellers to check local regulations before travelling to avoid unexpected fines or disruptions to their holiday. The FCDO’s Spain travel advice page is regularly updated with information about alcohol limits, taxes, safety guidance and entry requirements.
Tourists are encouraged to read the terms of their holiday packages carefully and speak to their tour operator if they are unsure about what is included. For independent travellers, reviewing regional government websites can help clarify local rules on accommodation, behaviour and charges.