Irish tourists warned: Fines of up to €1,800 for wearing a bikini on streets of Albufeira
Irish holidaymakers heading to Portugal this summer are being warned they could face fines of up to €1,800 for wearing bikinis or swimwear in the streets of Albufeira.
The popular Algarve resort has introduced stricter regulations to crack down on rowdy tourist behaviour, particularly during weekends, when the area sees an influx of partygoers.
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Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Air and Travel magazine editor Eoghan Corry said locals have 'had enough' of what they view as disrespectful conduct by visitors.
Beachgoers sunbathe and swim at Oura beach in Albufeira, Algarve region, Portugal. Pic: Getty
'What they've done is taken existing regulations, beefed them up a little, and introduced a few new ones.
'The main focus is on drunkenness and absolutely obnoxious behaviour late at night.'
Among the rules being more strictly enforced is a ban on wearing bikinis and swimwear away from the beach, with penalties starting at €500 and rising to as much as €1,800.
The popular Algarve resort has introduced stricter regulations to crack down on rowdy tourist behaviour, particularly during weekends, when the area sees an influx of partygoers. Pic: Shutterstock
'Locals just want to have their town in some form of functioning order at midnight,' he said.
'That you can actually walk the street without the madness that shows up a lot on social media – holidaymakers, not necessarily from Ireland, jumping on cars or carrying open drinks around.'
More than 500,000 Irish tourists travel to Portugal each year, with many flocking to the Algarve region for its year-round sunshine and lively nightlife.
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