Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Netherlands, and more Enforce Strict Party Tourism Crackdowns as British Visitors Face Hefty Fines and New Rules Across Europe in This Year

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, the Netherlands, and several other popular European destinations are enforcing strict new laws this year to curb the excesses of party tourism, particularly in response to disruptive behavior often associated with large groups of British travelers. From bans on pub crawls and party boats to hefty fines for public drinking, nudity, and excessive noise, these measures aim to protect local communities, reduce overtourism, and reposition these hotspots as welcoming environments for families, couples, and cultural tourists—forcing British visitors to adapt or risk penalties during their holidays.

Across Europe, governments and municipalities are rolling out stricter laws to control the excesses of party tourism, especially as British stag and hen groups continue to flock to hotspots known for lively nightlife. As complaints from local residents and businesses escalate over noise, public drunkenness, and inappropriate tourist behavior, authorities are shifting tourism models to attract quieter, more sustainable crowds such as couples, families, and older travelers.

Tourists could face penalties reaching €1,500 for appearing in swimwear or going shirtless in public areas away from designated beach zones.

Portugal: Albufeira’s New Code of Conduct

One of the latest examples of this shift is seen in Albufeira, a leading Portuguese coastal resort. After a public consultation, the city council approved strict regulations to be enforced by summer 2025.

Key rules include:

Fines of up to €1,500 for walking shirtless or wearing a bikini away from the beach.Penalties for obscene costumes, public nudity, and outdoor sex acts.Street drinking bans, restrictions on late-night noise, and public urination will now incur financial penalties.

The rules aim to elevate Albufeira’s tourism appeal beyond its current party scene, aligning it with more upscale, family-friendly travel standards.

Spain: Sweeping Changes in the Balearic and Canary Islands

Ibiza and Mallorca have emerged at the forefront of enforcing tough new measures designed to crack down on unruly party tourism and restore balance in their coastal communities.

In Magaluf and selected areas of Ibiza:

Pub crawls and party boats are banned.All-inclusive hotels now cap alcoholic drinks at six per day.Fines for antisocial behavior like street drinking or nudity range from €600 to €3,000.

In Palma de Mallorca, local authorities have introduced measures to reduce tourism saturation:

Cruise arrivals and hotel capacities are capped.Loud parties in rental properties of more than 10 people are now banned.Tourists must show proof of accommodation or face fines up to €8,000.

Meanwhile, in the Canary Islands, including Tenerife and Gran Canaria:

Consuming alcohol in public spaces is strictly banned, with violations carrying penalties of up to €3,000.Gran Canaria beaches now ban loud music, smoking, and barbecues.Carrying valid ID at all times is now mandatory for tourists.Netherlands: Amsterdam’s Pushback Against Rowdy Visitors

Amsterdam has actively discouraged certain demographics from visiting, particularly British men aged 18 to 35, via its high-profile “stay away” campaign.

Tourist restrictions include:

Fines exceeding €200 for public urination and drunkenness.Group disturbances may lead to fines of up to €1,000.Targeted messaging discourages bachelor parties and excessive alcohol consumption in the red-light district.Czech Republic: Prague Gets Tough on Nightlife

Prague, long a favorite for British stag and hen groups, has also taken firm action.

New regulations now include:

A ban on organized pub crawls between 10 PM and 6 AM.Prohibition of inappropriate or offensive costumes in public.Fines of up to €500 for public intoxication and drinking.

The city is attempting to protect its historic center from party-driven tourism fatigue and to ensure a quieter experience for locals and culture-oriented travelers.

Croatia: Fines on the Rise in Split and Hvar

The popular destinations of Split and Hvar have implemented some of Europe’s most punitive on-the-spot fines.

Tourists can now face:

€600 fines for walking shirtless, drinking alcohol, vomiting, or disorderly behavior.Regulations on noise levels during nighttime hours, with additional fines of up to €300.

These cities have experienced an influx of younger, alcohol-fueled visitors, prompting locals to demand cleaner and quieter streets.

Italy: Protecting Heritage Through Regulation

In Sorrento, rules prohibit tourists from walking shirtless or in beachwear outside coastal areas, with fines reaching €500.

In Rome, restrictions are especially severe in heritage zones:

Sitting on the Spanish Steps carries a fine of up to €400.Eating or drinking in heritage-marked areas can result in fines ranging between €150 and €500.

Italy’s approach reflects a larger mission to preserve its cultural assets and protect historical urban zones from disrespectful behavior.

Greece: Cultural Preservation Meets Tourist Control

Greece has focused on protecting both its cultural sites and natural landscapes from the impacts of irresponsible tourism.

Key restrictions include:

Wearing high heels at archaeological sites is now prohibited in Greece, with violators facing penalties of up to €900 to prevent damage to historic landmarks.Shirtless behavior in public areas can lead to fines up to €300.Beach overcrowding regulations mandate:70% of beach space must remain sunbed-free,Four-meter buffer zones from the shoreline,Drone monitoring to enforce compliance.

These efforts are part of Greece’s wider strategy to balance high tourist numbers with preservation goals.

Spain’s Costa del Sol: Keeping the Party Tame

Officials in Costa del Sol have implemented their own version of tightened regulations aimed at curbing disruptive tourist behavior.

Offensive costumes and bare torsos are now fined in town centers.Noise violations in residential and commercial zones may result in fines between €500 and €2,000.The British Traveler’s Role in the Changing Landscape

British tourists remain among the most active international travelers to European party destinations. In 2024 alone, over 18 million Britons visited Spain, including 5 million to the Canary Islands.

Despite the media focus on fines and bans, UK-based tour operators like Last Night of Freedom report sustained demand for these destinations—suggesting that behavior regulation hasn’t deterred tourism but is simply reshaping its style.

However, British tourists often feel disproportionately targeted, particularly when traveling in large celebratory groups like stag and hen parties. The perceived cultural clash has added tension between traditional local values and the holiday habits of younger international travelers.

Recommendations for British Tourists

To enjoy a hassle-free and considerate holiday experience, British travelers are advised to follow local guidelines and cultural expectations.

Research local laws before departure.Avoid wearing offensive or exaggerated costumes.Stay quiet in residential areas, especially during the night.Drink responsibly in bars or hotels, not on public streets.Book activities that match the cultural tone of the destination.Travel in smaller groups to minimize disruption and improve access to bookings.A Shift Toward Responsible Tourism

The wave of regulatory changes across Europe underscores a broader trend: the end of the anything-goes party holiday. Instead, the new tourism model prioritizes sustainability, community harmony, and cultural respect. While the allure of sun-soaked beaches and historic cities remains, the way travelers interact with these spaces is being fundamentally reshaped.

European hotspots like Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, and the Netherlands are enforcing strict party tourism crackdowns this year to curb disruptive behavior and protect local communities. British visitors now face heavy fines as authorities target excessive drinking, noise, and inappropriate conduct.

British tourists, who make up a significant portion of the international tourism economy in Europe, now have a unique opportunity to lead the transition toward more respectful, experience-focused, and culturally aware travel.