Posted on Friday, 17 May 2019

Over the last few weeks Spanish authorities have unveiled a raft of measures designed to protect vulnerable natural environments and to reduce bad behaviour in Spanish resorts and cities. Here we list some of the most important changes to be aware of if you're heading to Spain this summer.

Palma, Mallorca: Fines for drinking in public

Palma city, the capital of Mallorca, has decided to hand out on-the-spot fines to tourists who drink alcohol in certain areas between 5am and 8am. They will also not be permitted to eat food in the street during this period. Drinking must only take place in designated areas. The rules were introduced in April, but have only come into effect in May - giving time for the public information campaign to roll out.

Other misdemeanors will also be punished, including being drunk and disorderly; not wearing tops in public areas; vandalism; and fighting. Those caught flouting the rules will face a fine of up to 3,000 euros.

The new rules will be in effect until September 30.

According to the Express, some Palma residents' groups want offenders to be marched to the ATM to pay the fine, as already happens in Llucmajor, also on Mallorca. There is concern that tourists who do not pay the fine immediately will likely never pay up.

There has also been a clamp down on happy hours and two-for-one deals along Palma's waterfront. Bars, clubs and restaurants have been limited in their ability to promote alcohol consumption.

Visitor restrictions on Cíes, Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada

The white sandy beaches found on Cíes, Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada off the Galician coast attract many thousands of people every year. But worries over the cost to the environment have prompted authorities to cap the number of visitors allowed each day.

Already new arrivals were expected to adhere to certain rules, laid out by Galicia National Park - which included no camping, fires or feeding the animals.

However, under new proposals, daily visitor numbers during high season will be limited as follows:

• Ons: 1,300 high season, 450 at other times
• Cíes: 1,800 and 450 at other times
• Sálvora: 250 throughout the year
• Cortegada: 250 throughout the year

While the new measures will mean fewer people have the chance to visit these beautiful islands and tourist economy will feel the pinch, they will help preserve the environment for future generations. Most visitors are day trippers.

Airbnb restrictions

While Airbnb has enjoyed huge success among travellers worldwide, giving affordable access to all kinds of accommodation, not everyone is happy. In Spain, there have been restrictions on Airbnb for some time - in Barcelona, Valencia and Palma. Now, Madrid has followed suit. Professionalised rentals in particular have been targeted. Apartments rented out for more than 90 days each year will require a special license.

The matter has been made more complex by different rules taking effect in different municipalities and neighbourhoods. What might be acceptable in one street, could be against the rules a few hundred metres away.

For Spain-bound travellers, the upshot is fewer accommodation options - and possibly a frosty reception from local residents who don't appreciate tourists trundling their suitcases through their streets - and arriving at all time of day and night!

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