Residents in Spain agree that it is extremely hot and humid this summer, but that doesn’t mean tourists can walk around in the streets in their swimwear. Entering a store or restaurant underdressed is also discouraged. Travelers have been warned before, but now officials are taking this more seriously.

Tourists should keep swimwear for the beach, not the streets

Malaga City Council has launched a new campaign, targeting tourists who walk the city streets in their swimwear. Signs have been posted throughout the Malaga Province urging tourists to “dress completely,” with an image of two fully clothed people. The caption reads, “Both on the streets and in public places always wear an upper garment for respect and hygiene.”

Meanwhile, it has become a regular experience to see underdressed people shopping in the supermarkets on the Costa del Sol which shocks locals.

‘Guiris’ is a derogatory Spanish term describing unruly tourists and anti-tourism online pages, such as the Reddit page ‘Guiris go home’ often complain about tourists exploring the streets underdressed. People often share photos of tourists without their consent, but legislation has taken too long to do anything about this, until now.

Underdressed tourists to be fined under new legislation

Legislation was originally initiated in 2019 and was finally approved in September 2023. Under this legislation, anyone abusing the law by walking around topless can face fines of up to €750 ($820).

Under Article 36 of the law, it is an offense to enter public spaces naked or scantily clad (i.e. wearing only underwear). Meanwhile,  under Article 38, anyone who ignores police warnings and restrictions on their lack of clothing can also receive a fine of up to €750 ($820).

Meanwhile, walking the streets or entering public spaces topless has been an offense in Marbella and other cities across Spain. However, this is rarely enforced, as restaurant and bar owners worry they may receive abuse from underdressed customers and lose business because of this.

Unruly and inappropriate behavior by tourists

Meanwhile, officials are not only targeting scantily clad tourists but are also cracking down on inappropriate behavior by tourists. A law has been proposed to address groups of tourists in “stag” and “hen” parties. It further bans the carrying or wearing of items representing human genitalia or sex.

Other cities fining tourists in swimwear

Seville has also introduced similar laws prohibiting partying tourists clad in clothing with xenophobic and sexist slogans or images. Moreover, the city also bans tourists (and locals) from appearing in public underdressed or wearing only underwear.

Meanwhile, other resorts are introducing new legislation besides the Costa del Sol and other areas in Andalucía. Alicante in the Valencian Community of Spain launched a “Civic Coexistence Ordinance” in February 2022. Again, fines range from up to €750 ($820) 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.”

Moreover, the Balearic Islands have also had similar legislation for some time, but only now is the legislation being taken more seriously.