SPANISH cities are enforcing strict dress codes across tourist destinations to promote public decorum, with the act of going shirtless costing violators up to €750.
As temperatures start rising into the 30Cs and visitors break out in a sweat, their initial reaction may be to remove their clothing.
However, certain Spanish municipalities can actually fine you for going topless.
Depending on where you plan to spend the summer in Spain, it’s worth knowing that revealing your chest can be costly.
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The Costa del Sol is one of the areas where forgetting to cover up could cost you more than just a sun tan.
Specifically in Malaga and tourist towns like Marbella, there is an ordinance on nudity and semi-nudity under Article 63, which prevents walking or hanging out in public spaces without a top.
Unless the area explicitly states they have an exception to this rule, people who get caught bare chested in Malaga and Marbella can face fines from €300 to €750.
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Mallorca also penalises people for going around without a top, or even in just a swimming costume.
Unless you’re in a spot designated for swimming gear, exploring in swim shorts and a bikini can result in fines over €500.
Palma and other areas of the Balearic Islands point out in their ‘civility laws’ that restaurants may deny tourists entry if they are spotted wearing swimwear, football shirts, alcohol-related attire, or novelty costumes.
Barcelona will fine you from €120 up to €300 for exploring city streets with just a swim top or with your chest out.
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In Alicante, walking down public streets without a top is prohibited under its civic bylaws.
Violating this law could result in a fine between €300 and €750.
While Spain does offer nudist beaches along its coasts, full nudity is only permitted in the areas that explicitly say so.
An officer who catches someone in their birthday suit outside of an official nudist beach could write them up to a €750 fine.
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Given the influx of tourists who flock to Spain’s popular beach spots during the summer months, these rules are common for municipalities to try and maintain public decorum.
The areas that are the most strict about topless regulations include Malaga City, Marbella, and the surrounding Costa del Sol beaches.
These regions often put up signage to make it clear to tourists that public spaces need to keep up with respect and hygiene.
Spanish law also prevents anything that would impact the act of safe driving, so getting caught behind the wheel without a shirt could be a pricey fee.
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The Spanish Traffic Department (DGT) cites that not keeping a shirt on while operating a vehicle could get you fined between €80 and €200.
It’s hard to say just how much Spanish police will be enforcing these rules, but it’s better to stay on the right side of the law and cover up when asked to do so.
The Olive Press previously covered an incident where a tourist was fined €80 on the spot for tanning nude in Playa de Palma, Mallorca.
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