Malaga is taking a tough stance against unruly behaviour by British tourists by warning visitors via public signage to dress appropriately and respect local customs.
The Spanish city has launched a campaign, with 17 billboards and numerous posters, aimed at curbing behaviour that has angered locals, especially during the peak tourist season.
The signs, written in English and featuring the Union Jack, directly address behaviours often attributed to British tourists.
Tourists are reminded to comply with municipal regulations or face fines of up to €750 for violations.
The campaign, promoted by the Malaga Tourism Department, highlights four main problems: inappropriate clothing, litter, excessive noise and reckless use of electric scooters.
Malaga takes a tough stance against unruly behaviour by British tourists by warning visitors via public signage to dress appropriately and respect local customs
One of the new signs at the Town Hall reads: “Please dress fully. Both on the street and in public places, always wear an upper garment out of respect and hygiene.”
In Malaga, locals have expressed their opposition to foreigners walking around the city wearing only bikinis or shorts.
One of the new signs at the Town Hall reads: “Please dress fully. Both on the street and in public places, always wear an upper garment out of respect and hygiene.”
Signs have also been posted around the city asking visitors to wear full clothing as they parade through the city, requiring them to dress “appropriately,” “properly,” and “fully.”
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 loud music in public areas and adds: “Do not be visible.”
Litter is another sore point for locals, with signs asking tourists to “Keep the city clean” by using rubbish bins and taking care of historic monuments, gardens and public seating.
Scooter users are reminded that “sidewalks are for pedestrians. If you use scooters or bicycles, do so in legally authorized areas, complying with municipal ordinances.”
The measure is intended to combat visitors who ride indiscriminately on bike lanes, invade pedestrian zones and have been involved in more than one serious incident.
Another sign focuses on noise pollution, urging visitors to “respect the sleeping hours” of residents, including the elderly, students and essential workers.
Litter is another sore point for locals, with signs asking tourists to “Keep the city clean.”
Meanwhile, scooter users are reminded that “sidewalks are for pedestrians.”
Despite the new rules, locals remain sceptical about their application, arguing that laws prohibiting going around without a shirt or wearing underwear are not being enforced.
The city’s tourism department launched the initiative after a series of 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 overtourism on property prices, as well as complaints about disrespectful behaviour by visitors.
Despite the new rules, some locals remain skeptical about their enforcement, arguing that laws against walking around shirtless or in underwear, introduced in 2023, are not being strictly enforced, according to Euro Weekly.
However, authorities are now stepping up their efforts and offenders could face hefty fines if they fail to comply with police warnings about dress code and public conduct.
Meanwhile, the crackdown on tourists continues in Spain, with sunbed hogs on the beach being warned they face fines of £210 and could have their belongings confiscated if they try to reserve prime spots.