Malaga is taking a firm stance on unruly behaviour from British tourists by warning visitors through public signage to dress appropriately and respect local customs.
The Spanish city has launched a campaign, complete with 17 billboards and numerous signs, aimed at curbing behaviours that have angered locals, especially during peak tourist season.
The signs, written in English and featuring the Union Jack, directly address behaviours often attributed to British holidaymakers.
Tourists are reminded they must follow municipal bylaws or face fines of up to €750 for violations.
The campaign, promoted by Malaga’s tourism department, highlights four major issues: inappropriate attire, littering, excessive noise, and reckless e-scooter use.
In Malaga, locals have objected to foreigners walking around the city wearing only bikinis or shorts.
One of the new city hall signs reads: “Dress completely. Both on the street and in public places always wear an upper garment out of respect and hygiene.”
Billboard posters have also been put up around the city asking visitors to wear full clothes while parading the city – demanding they “dress properly”, “dress appropriately” and “dress completely.”
Another sign focuses on noise pollution, urging visitors to “respect the sleeping hours” of residents, including the elderly, students, and essential workers.
The sign advises against shouting, singing loudly, or playing music at high volumes in public areas, adding: “Don’t be conspicuous.”
Littering is another sore point for locals, with signs asking tourists to “Keep the city clean” by using rubbish bins and taking care of historical monuments, gardens, and public seating.
Meanwhile, scooter riders are reminded that “pavements are for pedestrians. If you use scooters or bicycles, do so in the legally authorised areas, in compliance with municipal ordinances.”
The measure is an attempt to combat visitors who ride indiscriminately in cycle lanes, invade pedestrian areas and have been involved in more than one serious incident.
The city’s tourism department launched the initiative after a series of anti-tourism protests took place this summer across Spain, including in Malaga, Madrid, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Seville.
The protests called attention to the impact of excessive tourism on property prices, as well as complaints about disrespectful visitor behaviour.
Despite the new rules, some locals remain sceptical about enforcement, arguing that the laws against walking shirtless or in undergarments, introduced in 2023, are not being strictly upheld, according to Euro Weekly.
However, authorities are now ramping up their efforts, with violators potentially facing steep fines if they fail to comply with police warnings about dress code and public conduct.
Meanwhile, the crackdown on tourists in Spain continues with sunbed hoggers on the beach warned that they face £210 fines and could have their belongings seized if they try to reserve prime spots.