British tourists could face a whopping €500 (£436) fine if they misbehave on a popular Spanish holiday island with those on a lively night out perhaps most at risk. The Balearic bolt hole of Majorca is loved by UK holidaymakers and should be packed this summer with people wanting to relax and have a good time.
But in recent years, the Spanish have had something of a love-hate relationship with tourists coming from countries like the UK, with protests breaking out about property prices soaring and damage to the environment caused by the tourism industry. And now Brits on a sunshine break are being warned to watch their manners too, with signs sprouting up on the island warning visitors to show “respect” while on their holidays or they could face being hit hard in the wallet. The heftiest fine, €500 (£435), is for drinking alcohol in the street, while “shouting, fighting or bothering people” can see individuals slapped with a €400 (£348) penalty, as can nudity or partial nudity away from the beach. It comes after Spanish islands fear Brits won’t return as tourists are dealt another blow.
Warning signs are peppered across some streets in Calvià issuing the warnings in both English and Spanish.
The signs feature the hashtag #havefunwithrespect, or #diviérteteconrespeto in Spanish. “Dirtying the street” is also punishable by €200 (£174), and the signs are placed along Punta Ballena in Magaluf, with others on Ramon de Montcada in Santa Ponsa, reports the Liverpool Echo.
While these sanctions relate to these areas in particular, travellers to other Spanish destinations should familiarise themselves with other rules before setting off. For example, local laws limit the sale of alcohol in some resorts, such as Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and San Antonio.
Guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) further warns that hotels “will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies”, and that you may also receive a fine. FCDO advice for Spain continues: “In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts.
“Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.”
And tourists are being warned over flying drones in Spain after a holidaymaker had theirs seized, with the case handed over to Spain’s State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) for administrative proceedings. Under Spanish and EU law all drone flights in urban areas or over crowds need prior authorisation, and those piloting them must be trained, registered, and insured.
Spain’s drone laws are strict, with violations taken seriously, depending on the severity of the crime fines can range from 60 euros up to a staggering €225,000, for very serious breaches.
