Malaga is taking a tough stance against undesirable behaviour from British tourists, warning visitors through public signs to dress appropriately and respect local customs.
The Spanish city has launched a campaign, featuring 17 billboards and numerous signs, aimed at tackling behaviour that has angered locals, especially during peak season.
The signs, written in English and featuring the Union Jack, directly address the behaviour often attributed to British holidaymakers.
Tourists are reminded to comply with municipal regulations, failing which they risk a fine of up to €750 for violations.
The campaign, promoted by Malaga’s tourism board, highlights four main issues: inappropriate clothing, litter, excessive noise and reckless use of e-scooters.
Malaga takes a firm stance against unruly behaviour from British tourists by issuing public signs warning visitors to dress appropriately and respect local customs
One of the new signs at the town hall reads: “Dress fully. Always wear an outer garment both on the street and in public places out of respect and hygiene.”
In Malaga, residents object to foreigners walking around the city wearing only bikinis or shorts.
One of the new signs at the town hall reads: “Dress fully. Always wear an outer garment both on the street and in public places out of respect and hygiene.”
Billboards have also been put up all over the city asking visitors to wear full clothing during the parade through the city. They must dress “neatly”, “appropriately dressed” and “fully dressed”.
Another sign addresses noise pollution and urges visitors to respect the “sleeping hours” of residents, including the elderly, students and essential workers.
The sign warns against shouting, singing loudly or playing music at high volume in public spaces, adding: “Do not be too conspicuous.”
Another sore point for locals is littering. Tourists are urged to keep the city clean by using bins and keeping historical monuments, gardens and public places clean.
Meanwhile, scooter riders are reminded that “prides are for pedestrians. If you use scooters or bicycles, do so in legally permitted areas, in accordance with municipal regulations.”
The measure is an attempt to tackle visitors who indiscriminately cycle on cycle paths, enter pedestrian areas and have been involved in several serious incidents.
Another sign addresses noise pollution and urges visitors to respect the sleeping hours of residents, including the elderly, students and essential workers.
Litter is another sensitive issue for locals, with signs asking tourists to “keep the city clean”
Meanwhile, scooter riders are reminded that “sidewalks are for pedestrians”
Despite the new rules, Malaga residents remain skeptical about their enforcement, claiming that laws prohibiting shirtless or underwear walking are not being enforced.
The city’s tourism department launched the initiative after anti-tourism protests took place across Spain this summer, including in Malaga, Madrid, Mallorca, Barcelona and Seville.
The protests drew attention to the impact of excessive tourism on property prices, and drew complaints about disrespectful behaviour from visitors.
Despite the new rules, some locals remain skeptical about their enforcement. They say laws against shirtless and underwear walking, which came into effect in 2023, are not being strictly enforced, according to Euro weekly.
However, authorities are now ramping up their measures and offenders could face heavy fines if they fail to comply with police warnings about dress codes and public behaviour.
Meanwhile, the crackdown on tourists in Spain continues, with beach owners who take up sun loungers on the beach facing a £210 fine and their belongings confiscated if they try to reserve a prime spot.