france Joins Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal and More Crack Down on Beach Vaping with Tough New Laws That Could Cost Global Tourists Thousands This Summer

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

As Europe braces for a surge in summer tourism, countries like France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal are intensifying efforts to create healthier, family-friendly public spaces by enforcing strict vaping bans on popular beaches. These sweeping new regulations are part of broader public health campaigns aimed at reducing secondhand exposure, protecting children, and curbing nicotine use in crowded outdoor areas. For global tourists, especially those unaware of local rules, the consequences could be costly — with fines reaching into the thousands — making it essential to understand and respect these laws before lighting up a vape abroad.

British Tourists Face Hefty Fines for Vaping on European Beaches as New Restrictions Sweep Across Summer Hotspots

As the summer travel season kicks into high gear, British tourists planning sun-drenched escapes across Europe are being urged to stay informed about a wave of new anti-vaping laws sweeping through popular holiday destinations. From France to Spain, and Greece to Italy, a tightening of regulations could leave uninformed travellers facing unexpected fines of up to £1,700 for vaping on certain beaches and public areas.

With an estimated 5.6 million vapers in the UK, according to the latest figures from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the risk is far from marginal. Many Brits use vaping as a substitute for smoking or as part of their smoking cessation journey. However, what may be a routine habit at home could now result in steep penalties abroad.

Tougher Rules Across Europe

A growing number of European countries have adopted stricter anti-smoking and anti-vaping measures, particularly in outdoor public spaces. The movement aims to protect public health, reduce litter, and discourage smoking and vaping among younger populations. Several top tourist destinations have already enacted or announced restrictions for summer 2025.

Here’s what British travellers need to know before heading to the continent:

France: Nationwide Ban Expands from July

Starting July 1, France will implement a nationwide ban on both smoking and vaping in numerous outdoor public spaces, including beaches, parks, playgrounds, sports venues, school zones, and bus stops. This regulation is part of a broader initiative launched in 2011, which has progressively limited tobacco use in public areas.

Violators of the new policy face fines up to €135, which is approximately £115.

Spain: Strict Enforcement and Major Penalties

Spain has been particularly assertive in its tobacco control policies, often treating vaping and smoking under the same regulatory umbrella. In 2024, Spain’s Medical Association backed further legislation extending restrictions on public vaping, especially in popular coastal regions.

Tourists should take note of the numerous beaches now enforcing vaping bans, including:

L’Albir Beach (Alicante)Levante and Poniente Beaches (Benidorm)Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, and Bogatell (Barcelona)Malvarrosa Beach (Valencia)

Breaking these rules could result in fines up to €2,000, or roughly £1,700.

Greece: EU-Backed Measures Now Enforceable

In late 2024, the EU Health Ministers approved tighter anti-smoking initiatives in Greece, including a ban on vaping in open public spaces such as beaches. This forms part of a larger EU push for tobacco-free outdoor environments.

Tourists caught vaping in prohibited zones across Greece may be fined up to €500, or £420.

Italy: Localised Rules Mean Regional Variations

Italy’s approach to regulating vaping is largely decentralised, with municipalities crafting their own rules. For instance, Bibione in the Veneto region was among the first to prohibit smoking and vaping on beaches, a regulation that has now spread to other coastal resorts.

Cities like Milan have enacted bans on vaping in congested outdoor locations. Fines vary widely, ranging from €40 to €240 (£33 to £200), depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offence.

Portugal: Regional Restrictions in Place

While Portugal has not rolled out a sweeping national ban, many local regions and municipalities have introduced restrictions on beach vaping. As enforcement may vary, it’s vital for travellers to consult regional guidelines before lighting up their e-cigarette along the coast.

How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

If you plan to vape while holidaying in Europe this summer, advance planning is essential. Here are a few practical tips to stay on the right side of the law:

Check destination-specific regulations through tourist boards or official government travel advisories.Ask your travel provider or accommodation about local rules on vaping.Look for visible signage on beaches and public areas. Many zones have clearly marked “no vaping” signs.Even where legal, be respectful of families and children, especially in crowded outdoor locations.

France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal are enforcing strict beach vaping bans this summer to protect public health, putting global tourists at risk of heavy fines if they ignore local laws.

Final Word for Vaping Travellers

With vaping laws tightening across Europe’s most-visited destinations, ignorance is no longer an excuse. As many British travellers prepare to unwind on sunny Mediterranean beaches, understanding local regulations could mean the difference between a relaxing getaway and a costly fine.

Stay informed. Stay respectful. And stay vape-safe this summer.