Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Spain unveils bold new tourist rules targeting overtourism with strict alcohol bans, group size limits, rental freezes, and steep fines across major hotspots.
Spain continues to top the list as the favorite holiday destination for travelers from the United Kingdom.
In 2024 alone, British visitors accounted for the largest share of the staggering 94 million international tourists who arrived in Spain—a record-breaking milestone for the country’s tourism sector.
However, while British tourists may love Spain for its sun-soaked beaches, flavorful paella, and vibrant culture, the sentiment is not entirely mutual. Growing resentment among locals has been building over the past year, fueled by concerns about mass tourism’s negative effects on daily life. Residents in popular destinations have voiced frustration over packed city centers and a housing crisis exacerbated by the rise of short-term vacation rentals.
These tensions reached a boiling point on Sunday, as protests erupted across several southern European cities. Thousands joined rallies in Spain’s Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, demanding urgent action to curb the disruptive impact of tourism. Similar demonstrations unfolded in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, as well as in the Italian cities of Venice and Genoa, all of which have been grappling with similar challenges brought on by overwhelming tourist numbers.
Protesters in Barcelona targeted tourists with water pistols, accusing them of turning the city into what they described as a giant theme park.
In response to mounting concerns over overtourism, local governments across Spain have introduced stricter regulations aimed at managing the influx of visitors.
If you’re planning a trip to Spain or the Canary Islands this summer, here’s a breakdown of the key rules and charges you should be aware of.
Updated Tourism Regulations in Spain Travelers Should Be Aware Of
Balearic Islands Tourist Tax
- Applicable Locations: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera in the Balearic Islands.
- Implementation Timeline: The updated rules are still under review and awaiting final approval, so exact dates remain unconfirmed.
- Expected Charges: The nightly tourist tax may increase from £3.36 to £5.04 per person. The fee will vary based on accommodation type and quality, with travelers staying at four- and five-star hotels during peak months—June, July, and August—facing the highest rates.
Travelers opting for high-end stays in the Balearic Islands could soon face higher expenses, with weekly charges expected to climb to £35.31 per person—a jump of £11.77 compared to current rates.
Cruise passengers may see an even steeper increase. The overnight fee for those staying aboard cruise ships is set to rise by 200%, from £1.68 to as much as £5.04 per person per night.
Who Is Exempt: These revised fees will not apply to visitors arriving in January or February. Additionally, children under the age of 16 will not be subject to these charges.
Barcelona’s Tourist Levy Set to Double
- Applies to: Barcelona city.
- Effective Date: Expected by the end of 2025.
- Projected Cost: The nightly tourist tax is scheduled to double, reaching as much as £12.40 per person depending on the type and quality of accommodation.
Currently, visitors pay £6.20 per night at five-star hotels and £4.70 at four-star hotels. Guests staying in short-term rental apartments are charged £5.20 per night.
For those exploring beyond the city and into the broader Catalonia region, the daily tax ranges from 99p to £4.95, based on accommodation standards.
Exemptions: Children under 16 remain excluded from paying the tourist tax.
New Alcohol Limits in Party Hotspots
Applies to: Playa de Palma, S’Arenal, and Magaluf in Mallorca, along with the West End of San Antonio in Ibiza.
All-inclusive holiday packages once meant endless food and drinks at your fingertips. But following a surge in unruly tourist behavior in 2024, stricter controls have been introduced on Spain’s popular party islands.
In designated zones of Mallorca and Ibiza, a new policy restricts guests to six alcoholic drinks per day—three during lunch and three at dinner. This measure aims to curb excessive drinking and improve the overall visitor experience in areas most impacted by disturbances.
In addition, pub crawls have been prohibited in heavily affected locations such as Magaluf’s main entertainment district.
Limits on Walking Tour Group Sizes
Applies to: Palma, Mallorca.
New regulations now limit walking tours in Palma to a maximum of 20 participants per group. The goal is to minimize congestion in the city’s historic areas and provide a more manageable experience for both guides and tourists.
However, the specifics of how these limits will be enforced remain uncertain. Outside Palma, across the rest of the Balearic Islands, larger walking tours of up to 70 people are still permitted under current rules.
Upcoming Changes to Cash Usage
Travelers from the UK often prefer to use cash abroad more frequently than at home, but visitors to Spain should be prepared for a shift in that habit.
Upcoming changes in Spain’s approach to currency use could result in certain banknotes no longer being accepted in shops and restaurants. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize payment systems and reduce reliance on physical currency, encouraging more digital transactions across the country.
Damaged €50 Notes to Be Rejected Starting July
Beginning in July, travelers using damaged or crumpled €50 notes in Spain may find that businesses will no longer accept them. This change is part of a broader effort by the central bank to reduce the risk of fraud and enhance currency security by withdrawing worn banknotes from circulation.
While lower denominations like €5, €10, and €20 will still be widely accepted, the €50 note is being specifically targeted due to its high rate of counterfeiting and susceptibility to damage caused by anti-theft dye systems from cash machines.
Gran Canaria Enforces Strict Beach Conduct Rules
Applies to: Gran Canaria.
As of March, authorities in Gran Canaria have introduced a comprehensive list of prohibited beach items and activities. Tourists who break these rules could face steep penalties of up to £2,517.
Prohibited on the Beach:
- Smoking or vaping in designated sunbathing areas
- Playing music in public coastal zones, including beaches and promenades
- Cooking or barbecuing on the sand
- Using umbrellas or tents for shade
- Reserving sunbeds or spots on bathing platforms
- Collecting shells, stones, or disturbing the natural landscape without restoring it
- Engaging in sexual activity in public areas
- Blocking access pathways or emergency exits
- Misusing public showers (e.g. wasting water, using soap, or filling containers)
- Fishing with a rod within 150 meters of swimming zones or near divers
Penalties:
- Minor violations may result in fines between £25 and £629.
- More serious breaches could incur penalties between £630 and £1,258.
- The most severe infractions may lead to fines as high as £2,517.
The classifications of offences have not been clearly defined, so travelers are advised to follow all rules carefully to avoid penalties.
Mallorca Restricts Tourist Access to Sóller’s Town Center
Applies to: Sóller, Mallorca.
In response to local concerns about high tourist traffic, Mallorca has implemented new traffic restrictions in the historic town of Sóller. The policy designates approximately 70 hectares of the town center as a “residents-only” driving zone.
This regulation spans 12 streets and bars non-resident vehicles, including rental cars, from entering the area. Only vehicles registered locally will be allowed access.
Visitors arriving by car will need to park in designated areas near the main access road, keeping the center free from congestion and preserving the traditional charm of this Mediterranean village.
Nighttime Alcohol Sales Banned in Key Tourist Areas of Mallorca and Ibiza
Applies to: Llucmajor, Palma, Calvia (including Magaluf) in Mallorca, and Sant Antoni in Ibiza.
Enforced Since: 2024.
In an effort to tackle alcohol-related disturbances, authorities in some of the Balearic Islands’ busiest resort zones introduced a strict ban on late-night alcohol sales. Under this regulation, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
This restriction doesn’t just apply to bars and shops—drinking alcohol in public spaces during these hours is also forbidden. Stockpiling drinks in advance and continuing to consume them on the streets or beaches is not allowed.
Additionally, party boats have also come under tight control. A law enacted in 2020 prohibits these vessels from operating within one nautical mile of affected zones, further reinforcing the islands’ commitment to curbing excessive partying and improving the quality of life for both locals and visitors.
These measures aim to reduce late-night disruptions and help maintain a more respectful environment in some of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations.
Clarifying the So-Called ‘Three-Year’ Ban for Tourists
Location: Malaga
Effective From: January 14, 2025
Rumors about a supposed three-year ban on tourists in Malaga have circulated widely, but these claims are misleading. Authorities have clarified the situation, emphasizing that no blanket ban exists. Instead, the measures introduced focus on specific behaviors or repeated violations of local laws, allowing for targeted restrictions rather than a general exclusion of visitors.
Malaga’s New Law Limits Holiday Rentals—but It’s Not a Tourist Ban
A new regulation rolled out in Malaga has sparked confusion, with some referring to it as a “tourist ban.” In reality, the law does not restrict tourists from visiting the city. Instead, it introduces a temporary freeze on the registration of new short-term holiday rentals in 43 districts across the region.
Implemented by the Malaga City Council in collaboration with Costa del Sol authorities, the policy aims to ease housing pressure in the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods. The goal is to curb the unchecked growth of vacation rentals and ensure residents have greater access to affordable, long-term housing options.
Although the measure is currently set for an initial period of three years, officials have indicated that it may be extended depending on its impact.
Visitors can still enjoy Malaga as usual—existing hotels, vacation homes, and platforms like Airbnb remain fully operational and available for booking.
