From fines for urinating at sea to elephant bans: the most unusual rules on European beaches

In recent weeks, European beaches have become battlegrounds for increasingly strict rules aimed at preserving public order and environmental integrity. From fines for urinating in the sea to bans on sunbeds and even restrictions on sunscreen use, authorities across several countries have introduced measures that surprise both tourists and locals alike. These regulations, often implemented in response to rising tourist numbers and their impact on coastal ecosystems, reflect a growing effort to balance recreational access with conservation efforts. The trend has been particularly pronounced during this summer’s beach season, with many destinations enforcing rules that go beyond the usual prohibitions against loud music or littering. In some cases, these new policies have sparked debate among visitors, who find them unusual or overly restrictive. For example, in Sardinia, the popular beach of Punta Molentis requires visitors to place one umbrella per group exactly where instructed by staff, while another site, Pelosa near Stintin, mandates the use of a towel under a towel to prevent excessive sand displacement. Violations can result in fines of up to 100 euros. Meanwhile, Greece has taken a firm stance against commercial activity along its shores, banning any form of construction or placement of commercial structures on over 250 beaches. This includes the rental of sunbeds, according to reports from Euronews. In Spain, the town of Calpe has declared war on early morning reservations, prohibiting the placement of chairs, sunbeds, or umbrellas before 10 a.m., with police removing such items and imposing fines of 250 euros on offenders. Those who reserve prime spots on the beach face potential penalties, though specifics vary by location. Smoking bans have also expanded, with more than 600 Spanish beaches, including Barcelona, prohibiting smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes. France has gone further, implementing a national ban on smoking at all beaches adjacent to bathing waters, with fines reaching 135 euros. In Italy, similar restrictions apply in numerous regions, reflecting a broader push toward stricter enforcement of public health and safety standards. Portugal has introduced some of the harshest penalties, targeting individuals who bring portable speakers to beaches. If such devices disturb other visitors, offenders could face fines ranging from 200 to 4,000 euros. For groups that repeatedly disrupt others, the maximum fine could reach as high as 36,000 euros. These measures aim to ensure that shared spaces remain enjoyable for everyone, rather than being dominated by a few. Beyond noise and personal conduct, local governments have also cracked down on inappropriate dress and behavior. In cities near popular beaches, walking around in swimwear outside designated areas can lead to fines. In Sorrento, Italy, such actions can cost up to 500 euros, while in the Garda Lake region, the penalty is up to 200 euros. In Portugal’s Albufeira, fines for improperly dressed visitors range from 300 to 1,500 euros, and in Barcelona and Majorca, visiting shops in swimwear can result in fines of up to 300 euros. Similar rules exist in Croatia, where improper attire in certain areas can lead to fines of up to 150 euros, and in Nice, France, sunbathing in restricted zones can incur a fine of 35 euros. One of the most controversial rules involves the prohibition of urination in the sea. Since 2022, several Spanish coastal towns have enforced this rule, with fines of 750 euros for violations. However, the exact methods used to enforce this regulation remain unclear. According to reports from The Guardian, the ban primarily targets urination into the sea or onto the beach surface, though there is currently no data on how frequently such fines have been issued. Some areas in Spain have made it illegal to urinate in the ocean, yet enforcement details remain sparse, leaving room for interpretation and confusion among visitors.