British tourists hit with new rules in Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal
British travellers staying in popular holiday hotspots are being warned of new rules being enforced for tourists. Officials in some of the UK tourists' favourite holiday destinations are now taking a tough stance on illegal holiday lets in the hope of curbing overtourism.
Spain has joined Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and Greece in cracking down on unlicensed properties following protests from frustrated locals.
Last summer, overtourism protests erupted in Spain over problems with illegal holiday rentals. Locals blame tourists for the housing crisis in their hometowns after rental prices reached unprecedented levels.
In Majorca, many locals are already in despair over the state of the housing market, with prices shooting up by another 15% in the last year alone, reports the Express.
Authorities in Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Greece are stepping up inspections, introducing new licensing systems, and demanding greater cooperation from booking platforms in the hope of quickly and efficiently dealing with the problem.
Despite warnings of hefty fines earlier this year, a Spanish government report claimed that 7,000 holiday apartments are still being rented out illegally in the Balearic Islands.
It is hoped that the hardline crackdown will create a fairer market for legal operators and protect communities. Authorities in these holiday hotspots say their message is clear: tourists are welcome but only when it does so legally and there is respect between locals and visitors.
The housing shortage in Spain is now so dire that the Spanish government has described it as a "social emergency." They estimate that between 600,000 and a million new homes must be built in the next four years to meet demand.
The cost-of-living crisis is also taking its toll, with a third of Spaniards admitting they can't afford a week-long holiday, according to the National Statistics Institute.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Barcelona is leading the way with tough regulations on cracking down on holiday lets. The city is currently phasing out tourist apartments and aiming to eliminate all licensed short-term rentals by 2028.
Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that the City Council will not renew any licences for tourist-use apartments once they expire in November 2028.
Majorcan officials admit to a drop in tourist numbers across the Balearic Islands due to protests.
The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) said municipalities such as Soller are seeing noticeable declines in tourist activity, while the Majorca Daily Bulletin says industry representatives across the hotel, hospitality, and transport sectors have reported a decrease in tourist footfall.
Pedro Oliver, the president of the College of Tour Guides, said his excursion sales have fallen 20% this summer. Valldemossa, Palma, and Port Soller are the worst-affected areas.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
40 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Australia's 'most Scottish town' with its own Highland Gathering and tartan poles
It celebrates its heritage each year with a Scotland-themed parade. All across the world, Scottish culture and heritage can be felt. While the country's whisky and the legend of the Loch Ness Monster are known around the globe, some towns and villages have links to the country that go much deeper. The Daily Record recently took a look into settlements in Italy and Canada that are known for their historic ties to Scotland. Now, we are venturing all the way to Australia. Maclean is a small town situated in the Clarence Valley local government area in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. It is home to a population of around 2,700 people. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Maclean is the "most Scottish town in Australia". The website states that this is due to a "combination of history, happenstance and a little marketing know-how". The town dates back to 1862, when it was officially laid out. It was named after Surveyor General of New South Wales Alexander Grant McLean, who was born in Scotland and arrived in Australia in 1837. A large number of the early settlers in Maclean originated from the Scottish Highlands. Due to this, many current residents of the town have Scottish roots. The Europeans who arrived in the area forced the Aboriginal Yaegl people off their land and into small settlements. There were reportedly multiple massacres of Indigenous people along the Clarence River. Today, although Maclean has a small population, it is renowned for its annual Highland Gathering. Named the Maclean Highland Gathering, the unique event has a history dating back more than a century. The Maclean Highland Gathering takes place every year across the Easter weekend. It sees athletes take part in various traditional contests including shot put and caber tossing. Music is also a major part of the event, with musicians competing in bagpiping events. The Maclean Highland Gathering also sees a pipe band march down its High Street, while there are Highland dance competitions too. In fact, it is not uncommon to see locals don traditional Scottish garb during the event. You will likely see more than one Australian wearing a kilt in honour of Scotland. The Maclean Highland Gathering isn't the only way the town celebrates its Scottish heritage. Dotted around, there are also many poles that feature various clan tartans. For those interested in visiting Maclean, there is a store that sells a map detailing all of the tartan pole locations. Also available at the Maclean Scottish Shop are a collection of Scotland-themed memorabilia and gifts. Given the town's history, it is not surprising that Maclean even has its own Scottish association. The group has a history dating back to the 1980s, with its members comprised of local residents who are dedicated to promoting the town's Scotland-related heritage—including its one-of-a-kind poles. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Maclean Scottish Town of Australia committee president Robert McPherson commented: "We got to 100 poles and I said that was enough because it was all voluntary painted. "Then we had people with good reason, who wanted to remember their dad or they had a 100th birthday or whatever, so we started painting again and we got to 240, and I had to put a stop to it because once they are painted you have to maintain them." More information about Maclean and its Scottish heritage can be found on the Visit New South Wales website.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Hidden beach is like 'private island' with crystal clear waters and golden sands
This secluded beach in Pembrokeshire is so beautiful, it could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise - and it is the perfect spot for a day out in the sun Pembrokeshire's beaches are so stunning, the only downside is having to pick one for a day trip. Even if you reckon you've explored every nook and cranny of the Pembrokeshire coast path, there's a good chance you've overlooked this hidden gem. While it might not be as well-known as other Pembrokeshire hotspots like Saundersfoot or Tenby, this secluded beach could be your very own slice of paradise. What's more, the views here are truly awe-inspiring, with the beach offering an unobstructed panorama of the Milford Haven waterway. Welcome to Watwick Bay, tucked away on the south-west coast of the county. Its sand is the softest, most golden you'll ever tread on in Wales, and its crystal-clear waters shimmer with a tropical-aquamarine hue. In other travel news, a British man claimed 'I moved from UK to Benidorm – price of a pint and Full English left me floored'. At Watwick Bay, it's not uncommon to spot yachts owned by the well-heeled, who've anchored in the bay to enjoy picnics and savour wine. If there was ever a spot where you could pretend you were lounging on the most exclusive beach in Europe, this would be it. But, owning a yacht isn't a prerequisite to enjoying this idyllic spot. In fact, a stroll to Watwick beach is a fantastic way to take in all the spectacular views the surrounding area has to offer, reports Wales Online. Nestled on the Dale peninsula and at the mouth of the Milford Haven waterway, Watwick Bay is a two-mile hike along the coast path from the village of Dale. En route to the beach, you'll encounter Dale Fort, a 19th-century construction designed to protect Milford Haven from a French invasion that never came to pass. These defence walls later earned the nickname Palmerston's Follies, after Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister of the era. Upon reaching Watwick Bay, you might just have a beach all to yourself. But it's not just about the solitude - the views are something else. The distant industrial skyline provides a stark contrast to the estuary's vibrant blues and greens. Look in the other direction, and you're greeted with the sight of the Angle peninsula and the vast ocean beyond. Tucked away is Thorne Island's Victorian fort, another one of Palmerston's Follies, which has been converted into one of Wales' most unique homes by tech tycoon Mike Conner. It's crucial to check the tide times before heading to the beach as high tide leaves little sand visible, and you certainly don't want to be caught out by an incoming tide. But with careful planning and preparation, you'll be treated to one of Pembrokeshire's most breathtaking and serene experiences. The journey to the bay along a winding, tree-lined trail adds a real sense of adventure, making you feel like you're the first person to discover this hidden beach gem. The pristine blue waters are so clear that you can see the seabed and watch crabs scuttling across the sand. Thanks to its sheltered location, the water is perhaps a degree or two warmer than more exposed beaches. Some might suggest that the best way to explore is to start at Dale and meander towards Dale Fort, pack a picnic and take a break at Watwick, but then carry on with your journey afterwards. You can extend your walk towards the West Blockhouse, another Victorian structure, and the remnants of the concrete gun emplacements from World War Two. There's a circular route right around St Anne's head, approximately six miles in total, which takes in Mill Bay, a site of historical significance where King Henry VII landed in 1485 prior to the Battle of Bosworth, and the lighthouse at St Ann's Head. It's along these rugged rocks where the Sea Empress spilled 72,000 tons of oil into the sea. On clear days, you'll be treated to stunning views of Skokholm Island and Skomer further north, islands teeming with puffins, gannets, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Further on, you'll pass Frenchman's Bay and Welshman's Bay as you steadily make your way north to Westdale Bay. From here, you'll head back down to Dale. Once a bustling port in Pembrokeshire, Dale has now transformed into a haven for water sports enthusiasts, particularly those keen on sailing and windsurfing. It's also an ideal spot to enjoy a pint and an ice cream. Watwick Bay offers the perfect escape from reality, providing a sense of seclusion while still being within walking distance of modern-day comforts. It truly is worth the journey.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office warns of strict new alcohol rules and fines in Portugal's Algarve
The single most popular region of the country with holidaymakers is the beach-lined, sunny Algarve in the south. UK visitors account for 44% of all overseas guests in the region and 40% of flight arrivals at Faro Airport One of the most popular holiday resorts with Brits has introduced a strict new regime designed to crack down on bad tourist behaviour. Last year more than 4.5 million people from the UK landed at Portuguese airports, according to data from the National Statistics Institute. That means Brits are the single biggest group when it comes to visitors to Portugal. The single most popular region of the country with holidaymakers is the beach-lined, sunny Algarve in the south. UK visitors account for 44% of all overseas guests in the region and 40% of flight arrivals at Faro Airport. The city of Albufeira is one of the main places to visit in the Algarve. This comes following a warning about visa scams. While Albufeira's economy is built on tourism, some locals are growing tired of the bad behaviour of visitors. This has led the local authority to introduce a strict set of rules and hefty fines for those caught breaking them. The rules are so severe that the UK Foreign Office has taken the unusual step of issuing an official warning about them — something it typically reserves for terrorist threats and moments of political instability. "The municipality of Albufeira has introduced a Code of Conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public places. Check out the rules that are now in force. If you break the rules, you could be fined on the spot from between 150 and 1800 euros," the Foreign Office website reads. One of the rules most likely to impact Brits relates to alcohol. A message issued by the town council reads: "Due to the increasing number of public reports about the situation in the city's main nightlife areas, Albufeira City Council has decided to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages for public consumption in these locations between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The ban is already in effect and will last until October 31st, with the possibility of extension if necessary." There are plenty of other rules that visitors should pay heed of. They are laid out in the newly published 'Albufeira rules for public places'. The rules include: 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
