UK holidaymakers issued warning over 11 strict rules in top European hotspot
- Our Hidden Earth
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
UK holidaymakers are being warned about strict new rules at one of Europe’s most popular beach resorts.
Portugal remains a favourite getaway for British travellers, with its warm climate, stunning coastline and delicious food. But one tourist hotspot has now cracked down on bad visitor behaviour.
According to figures from the National Statistics Institute, more than 4.5 million Brits flew into Portugal last year, making them the country’s largest group of international visitors.
The Algarve, in southern Portugal, is the most visited region, famous for its sandy beaches and sunny weather. British travellers make up 44% of all overseas guests in the Algarve and 40% of flights into Faro Airport. Albufeira is one of the main holiday towns in the area.
While tourism is the lifeblood of Albufeira’s economy, some locals say poor behaviour from visitors has become a problem. This has prompted the local council to introduce a strict code of conduct, with heavy fines for those who don’t follow the rules.
The rules are so tough that the UK Foreign Office has taken the rare step of warning travellers before they arrive.
On its website, the Foreign Office states: “The municipality of Albufeira has introduced a Code of Conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public places. If you break the rules, you could be fined on the spot between €150 and €1,800.”
One of the rules most likely to affect British tourists concerns drinking in public.
A statement from the council reads: “Due to the growing number of public complaints about behaviour in the city’s main nightlife areas, Albufeira City Council has decided to restrict the sale of alcoholic drinks for public consumption in these areas between 11pm and 8am.”
The ban is already in place and will remain until at least 31 October, with the option to extend it if necessary.
The full 11 rules are:
Full nudity in public - maximum fine €1,800
Partial nudity in public (non‑beach) - maximum fine €1,500
Sexual acts or simulations in public - maximum fine €1,800
Sleeping overnight in public areas - maximum fine €750
Urinating or defecating in public - maximum fine €1,500
Spitting on the ground - maximum fine €750
Camping or setting up tents - maximum fine €750
Cooking in public spaces - maximum fine €750
Excessive noise - maximum fine €750
Misuse of public furniture - maximum fine €750
Abandoning shopping carts - maximum fine €750
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