Brits looking to enjoy the sun and sand in popular European destinations like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Croatia this summer should be aware of strict regulations governing beach attire. Several vacation spots have implemented dress codes that apply to both locals and visitors, particularly concerning attire like bikinis, pool cover-ups, and swim shorts.
The focus of these regulations is not on what people wear at the beach but rather when they venture into local towns. For instance, Sorrento in Italy has prohibited wearing swimwear outside of beach areas and pools since 2022, with violators facing fines of up to €500 (about £433).
While wearing swimwear is acceptable at hotels, beach clubs, pools, and beaches, individuals may run into trouble if they continue to wear such attire while entering town centers, shops, or restaurants.
Various Spanish destinations have also implemented beachwear dress codes. In Barcelona, fines of up to £260 can be imposed for wearing inappropriate attire in town, while in Majorca, fines of up to £500 are enforced for wearing beachwear away from designated beach areas and pools. Similar rules apply to going shirtless in public spaces, and many eateries have clear policies against beachwear.
In places like Malaga, strolling into the city center in beachwear could result in fines of up to €300 (approximately £259). The rationale behind these rules, as argued by locals in Sorrento, is to maintain decency and discourage individuals from donning swim shorts or bikinis in non-beach settings. The ban extends to walking around without a shirt.
Popular Italian destinations like Portofino, Positano, and Capri also have stringent regulations, with fines of up to €500 (around £433) for those found inappropriately dressed in town centers. Venice prohibits walking around the historic city center in swimwear or bare-chested, with fines of up to €250 (roughly £216) for violators.
In Albufeira, strict dress codes were introduced last year, including fines ranging from €300 to €1,500 (approximately £259-£1298) for wearing swimwear outside of beach or pool areas. Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia enforce similar rules, with fines up to €700 (about £606) and starting at €150 (approximately £129), respectively, for inappropriate attire in public areas.
On the island of Hvar, new regulations also penalize individuals for wearing swimwear or going shirtless in town.
