In 2025, the rules for tourists in Europe are getting stricter. Find out about the new bans and the strangest fines in popular cities in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and other countries. Protect your vacation and avoid trouble

Europe has long been a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world. Its majestic monuments, picturesque beaches, and incredible culture attract tourists year-round. But in 2025, traveling across the continent will require more caution: the rules of conduct are becoming increasingly strict. From protecting historical monuments to controlling noise and even clothing, local authorities are ready to fine tourists for what was once considered normal behavior.

This article collects the latest fines for tourists in Europe, from the most popular resorts to small towns, as well as strange restrictions that few people know about.

No one likes unforeseen situations, but they happen. Medical expenses, lost luggage, flight delays, or accidents on vacation - all of these can ruin a trip. Travel insurance guarantees financial protection and peace of mind so you can enjoy Europe stress-free.

Apply for a policy online in a few minutes and travel worry-free!

Spain

In Spain, tourism has long been the engine of the economy, and local authorities are striving to maintain cleanliness and comfort in popular cities.

San Sebastian

The city council of the Spanish resort city of San Sebastian has announced its intention to introduce new rules to protect the coast, The Sun reports. Among the restrictions:

- A smoking ban on all city beaches - San Sebastian could become the second in the Basque Country after Zarautz, where such a ban is in force.

- Restrictions on pets: in the summer, dogs will be allowed to walk on the beaches only from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.

- A ban on loudspeakers due to numerous complaints about noise.

Some of the new rules have already come into effect from October 20, 2025, and full implementation is expected by June 2026.

Palma de Mallorca

The popular resort is preparing for another innovation - a complete ban on boat parties. Starting next season, such boats will no longer be able to moor on the city's waterfront.

Barcelona and Malaga

- Walking in a swimsuit or without a shirt outside the beach - a fine of up to 300 euros.

- Spreading towels on sun loungers for a long time and leaving things unattended - a fine of up to 250 euros.

- Drinking alcohol on the streets of the Balearic Islands - a fine of up to 3,000 euros.

Italy

Venice

In the city, the security of the historic center takes even the smallest things seriously:

- Sitting on the ground, on stairs, monuments or bridges - a fine of 100-200 euros.

- Swimming in the canals and littering - up to 350 euros.

- Walking around bare-chested or in a swimsuit outside the beach is punishable by a fine of 250 euros.

- Feeding pigeons – 25–500 euros.

Important! Bicycles are prohibited in the historic center, except for carrying them manually from Piazzale Roma to Santa Lucia Station.

Rome

Sitting on the Spanish Steps or jumping into the Trevi Fountain can result in a fine of 400–500 euros, and violators may be banned from visiting the attractions for life.

Cinque Terre and Liguria

For safety reasons, it is forbidden to wear flip-flops or inappropriate footwear on the hiking trails – a fine of up to 2,500 euros.

Sardinia and Capri

Nature is strictly monitored here – digging holes on the beaches, building sandcastles, and removing sand and shells is punishable by a fine of up to 3,000 euros.

In Capri, plastic tableware is also banned - a fine of up to 500 euros.

Calabria (Praia a Mare)

Parents whose children under 14 are outside after 00:30 can receive a fine of 250 euros.

Throughout the country, buying bags, glasses or watches of famous brands, but fake, is punishable by a fine of up to 7,000 euros or 6 months in prison.

Portugal

Albufeira

The Mirror reports that in the Portuguese resort town of Albufeira, guests face stiff fines of between 150 and 1,800 euros for:

- leaving shopping trolleys on the streets,

- lighting barbecues on the beaches,

- making excessive noise.

Local authorities emphasize that the rules will be strictly enforced, and the code of conduct will be in effect all year round.

Greece

In Greece, even seemingly harmless beach activities can be costly: collecting shells or pebbles in protected areas is punishable by a fine of up to €1,000, the  Daily Express reports.

In addition, control over sun loungers is being tightened: now the norm that 70% of public beaches must remain free of rented sun loungers and chairs will be strictly enforced, and violators will face fines.

Acropolis

High-heeled shoes are prohibited so as not to damage the stone slabs; violation is punishable by a fine.

Switzerland

In old houses, flushing the toilet after 10:00 p.m. can result in a noise fine.

France

- Kissing on train platforms is formally prohibited; violation is a warning or a fine.

- Smoking in open public places, walking shirtless or in a swimsuit in coastal areas is prohibited.

Germany

Stopping on the autobahn due to running out of gas is considered negligence - a fine of up to 70 euros or more if an obstacle is created.

Denmark

Drivers are required to check under the car for children or animals before starting the engine; violation entails liability.

Poland

Loud cursing in the street or washing the car without permission - a fine of up to 500 zlotys.

Czech Republic

Prague

From January 1, 2026, it is planned to ban the rental of electric scooters.

Cycling after a beer - a fine of up to 25,000 crowns (over 1,000 euros).

Walking with open alcohol is also punishable by a fine.

Croatia

Dubrovnik

Fines for sleeping in public, drunken behavior, climbing on the roofs of monuments, urinating in public, drinking near monuments.

Wearing a swimsuit outside of beaches and pools is also punishable.

In-flight fines

- Ryanair: €500 ($585) fine for disrupting passenger order on board.

- Turkey: Administrative fine of around $70 for passengers who unfasten their seat belts or get up before the alarm goes off.

2025 shows that the rules of conduct for tourists in Europe are becoming stricter and more diverse. From restrictions on beaches to controls on clothing, footwear and even behavior on board the plane - violations can be costly. When planning a trip, it is important to familiarize yourself with local rules in advance to avoid fines and make your vacation safe and comfortable for everyone.

The travel guide from Visit World will help you prepare for a trip abroad easily and without errors. The guide contains step-by-step instructions for applying for a visa, a list of required documents and rules for filling out the application form. You will also find visa samples and useful life hacks for a comfortable trip. With this guide, preparing for the trip will become simple and confident

Reminder! Mallorca remains one of the best places to relax in Europe, attracting millions of tourists every year with its beaches, nightlife and Mediterranean charm. But, enjoying the island, tourists should be aware of local laws, as the new fines and penalties introduced in 2025 are quite high. We have already told you what you can be fined for on the island or even imprisoned for.

Photo – Freepik

---