Admittedly, it is uncomfortable enough for local residents to have to fight for space on the sidewalks of seaside resorts in Spain. Meanwhile, many tourists stroll in the streets wearing only swimwear or bare-chested, giving close proximity to sweaty bodies. This has led certain Spanish resort towns to crack down on what they term “semi-nudity” in the streets away from the beach.

Fines for going shirtless or only in swimwear in beach resorts in Spain

Readers may have noticed that Europe, in general, is cracking down on overtourism and bad behavior from tourists. While resorts in Spain need tourism euros, locals have had enough of unruly or semi-nude visitors in the streets of beach resorts.

In the past, it was common to see people in their swimwear or without a shirt on the promenade of beach resorts. However, with the extreme heat this summer, the practice is carrying over into the streets and stores of the towns, leading to a major backlash.

Due to this, authorities in many seaside resorts all over Spain have passed new legislation, modifying their existing rules. These days, people can get fined if strolling bare-chested or in swimwear away from the beachfront. Now, fines are being levied of up to €750 ($826) for going semi-nude.

Previous laws in Spain for semi-nudity

Back in 2018, the city of Marbella on the Costa del Sol introduced an ordinance with the aim of regulating coexistence in the city’s public spaces. In Article 63 the ordinance stated, “Except for municipal authorizations, for specific public places, it is prohibited to travel or remain on the road or public spaces with a naked torso.”

According to authorities, having a naked torso in public spaces was a minor infraction relating to reasons of hygiene and aesthetics. However, the regulation goes further by prohibiting traveling on public roads or walking in public spaces wearing only a swimsuit or similar garment. The only exceptions were in swimming pools, on the beaches and in their access areas, such as promenades.

Moreover, the city of Málaga also launched fines for citizens walking around its streets bare-chested or clad only in a swimsuit. As for the fines, they range from €300 ($330) to €750 ($826).

Other beach resorts in Spain levying fines

Besides Marbella and Málaga, both on the Costa del Sol, a number of other seaside resorts in Spain are introducing new legislation. These include beach cities in the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands and Barcelona.

For example, Alicante in the Valencian Community launched a Civic Coexistence Ordinance in February 2022. Here, fines ranged up to €750 ($826) for “going naked or with a naked torso on public roads, except on the beaches, adjacent promenades, swimming pools or other spaces where it is expressly authorized.”

As for Barcelona, the city has similar regulations in place, where being shirtless away from the beach is completely prohibited. Dubbed the Ordinance on Measures to Promote and Guarantee Citizen Coexistence in the Public Space of the city of Barcelona, fines of €120 ($132) up to €300 ($330) can be expected for walking without a shirt or wearing a swimsuit in public spaces.

Meanwhile, the fine can increase if a person is found in the streets naked or semi-nude, with penalties from €300 ($330) to €500 ($551) being levied. Heading to the Costa Dorada, it is forbidden in Salou to go shirtless in the Old Town, the city center and the municipal market. Here, fines range from €100 ($110) to €300 ($330).

Swimwear in the streets of the Balearic Islands

Palma de Mallorca, on the island of Mallorca levies fines for going semi-nude throughout the city. Locals and visitors alike can only be clad in swimwear or go shirtless in places like the beachfront and its promenades.

As reported by Onde Cero, those walking in the streets or public spaces clad in only swimwear can be fined between €100 ($110) and €200 ($220).