European Beaches Enforce New Summer Rules Including Fines for Urinating in Sea

As the European summer peaks, popular beaches across the continent are implementing stricter regulations to manage growing tourist crowds and protect coastal environments. Many of these rules are unfamiliar to visitors but carry significant fines.

In Sardinia, Italy, beaches like Punta Molentis and La Pelosa restrict the use of umbrellas and require special mats under towels to prevent sand adhesion, with fines up to 100 euros. Greece has banned temporary beach structures on 251 beaches, including umbrellas and sunbeds. Smoking bans are widespread: over 600 Spanish beaches prohibit smoking and vaping, including Barcelona and Canary Islands, while France and Italy have similar bans with fines reaching 135 euros.

Wearing swimwear outside designated beach or pool areas is penalized in several resort towns. In Sorrento, Italy, fines can reach 500 euros for walking in a bikini, while in Albufeira, Portugal, penalties range from 300 to 1,500 euros. Barcelona, Mallorca, and Croatian coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik also enforce bans on swimwear in public streets, with fines up to 300 euros.

Spain has introduced a 750-euro fine in Vigo and other cities for urinating in the sea or on the beach. Portugal prohibits loud music from portable speakers on beaches, with fines from 200 to 4,000 euros for individuals and up to 36,000 euros for groups, and authorities may confiscate equipment.

Many beaches in Italy, Spain, France, and Croatia ban dogs during summer, especially on Blue Flag beaches, allowing them only during early morning or evening hours. Horses are also prohibited on many beaches. Notably, since 2009, elephants have been banned from Granville beach in Normandy after a circus allowed them to bathe there, leaving behind unpleasant residues.