British holidaymakers heading to Portugal this year are being warned they could face fines of up to £1,570 for breaking strict new public conduct rules in the popular Algarve resort of Albufeira. The new penalties form part of a local government crackdown on antisocial behaviour under the “Stop, Respect, Relax” campaign, which aims to protect residents and preserve the town’s family-friendly reputation.
Fines start at €150 (£130) and can rise to €1,800 (£1,570) for offences including misplacing shopping trolleys, lighting barbecues on the beach, excessive noise, or acts of public indecency. Experts at One Sure Insurance have warned that the new measures are part of a wider European trend targeting bad tourist behaviour.
The company said that with so many new local rules appearing across popular destinations, British travellers need to be especially careful to avoid unexpected holiday expenses.
“With a €144 million (£130 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 from One Sure Insurance said.
They added: “We are seeing fines introduced across Europe that could easily catch tourists out. Portugal’s new regulations are some of the toughest, so we’re urging British visitors to familiarise themselves with the rules before travelling.”
Among the new restrictions, wearing swimwear outside of beaches and pool areas can lead to fines of between €300 and €1,500 (£260 and £1,300). Street drinking, public urination or defecation carry the same penalties, while public nudity or sexual acts can result in fines of up to €1,800 (£1,570).
Sleeping in public areas or unauthorised camping can cost between €150 and €750 (£130 and £650), and spitting in public may also result in a fine within the same range.
Perhaps most surprising to visitors, abandoning a shopping trolley in a car park or on the street is also now considered a punishable offence, with fines of up to €750 (£650). Local authorities say the rule is designed to curb disorder and littering, particularly in busy tourist areas.
Signs reminding tourists of the new regulations have been installed across Albufeira’s city centre and beachfront areas.
Officials say the measures were prompted by a series of incidents last year involving rowdy tourist behaviour, some of which went viral on social media.
The initiative has been backed by the local mayor, police and business owners who hope the campaign will encourage more respectful tourism.