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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Six-drink limit, sandcastles ban & ID check – Little-known Spain hol rules that could cost YOU €3k amid protest chaos
BOOZING on the beach, participating in pub crawl's and strolling shirtless through the streets are popular activities amongst Irish tourists jetting off to relax or party in Spain. But as 6 Building sandcastles may get you in some trouble in some areas Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists have been urged to stay clear of any protests Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti 6 Walking around without a shirt on could leave you facing a €600 fine (Stock Picture) Credit: Alamy The sunshine spot has been And locals claiming their homes have been turned into playgrounds for tourists has put pressure on the government to set strict rules in place that put a stop to unruly tourist behaviour. The new regulations could affect some of the nearly three million or so Irish punters expected to visit the hotspot this year. And any rule breakers could be hit with whopping fines of up to €3,000. Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink. Public drinking in Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf, along with Sant Antoni in Ibiza, is banned - unless it takes place in clearly designated areas approved by authorities. And the rule extends out to sea, covering party boats operating within one nautical mile of those towns. Those who don't follow the law could be hit with a steep fine, which starts at €500 for minor offences but rolls all the way up to €3,000. Tourists have also been warned that alcohol cannot be bought in shops from 9.30pm to 8am in Spain - but bars and clubs can continue selling. Anti-tourist mob attacks holidaymakers with water guns as they vow Spain faces 'long hot summer' of protest carnage Those opting to relax at an all-inclusive resort can continue to expect sea and sunshine but have been warned that alcohol rules will apply there too. All-inclusive guests are subject to a The drinks must also be spaced throughout the day - three in the day and three in the evening. The four main spots affected by these restrictions are , and , Playa de Palma and El Arenal in Here's where you can visit without the six drink restriction: Alcudia, Majorca Cala D'Or, Majorca Cala Bona, Majorca Cala Millor, Majorca Santa Eulalia, Ibiza Es Cana, Ibiza Playa Den Bossa, Ibiza Port Des Torrent, Ibiza Big fines are being imposed on those who try to quaff more than six drinks across the day. People could be fined between €750 and €1,500 if their drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment". If the offence is considered serious, the fine could range from an eye-watering €1,500 to €3,000. ID PLEASE All tourists and Spanish citizens must carry a state-issued photo ID on their person "at all times". Failure to produce an ID on the spot when asked by the Civil Guard, National, Regional or Local And Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish tourists abroad that ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as "disobedience", which is a criminal offence. The DFA warned that those arrested can't always jet right back home. A spokesperson said: " If you're arrested by the Spanish police at any stage, please ensure that all judicial matters against you are resolved before you leave Spain and that you have paid any fines. " Otherwise, you may be detained when you come back to Spain and you may incur further fines or even a prison sentence ." Sarah Slattery, a former travel agent based in Ireland, also advises Irish sunseekers to prepare ahead by photocopying their ID and passport in case they're stolen while abroad. She said: "It is not something we like to think about, but is it possible that you could be a victim of a crime on holidays, or you could simply loose your passport or other documents. "I suggest photocopying or uploading images of your passport, tickets and insurance policy to the cloud before you travel. "This is an important part of your holiday checklist, and once you have uploaded images of your passport once, they will be there for your next trip." SHIRTLESS STROLL In specific areas of Spain tourists may face a fine for wearing swimwear outside of pool or areas. Going shirtless or donning a bikini while walking in specific public locations is a major no-no in some parts of Spain. And those who take the chance could be stopped by police in the street and slapped with a fine of up to €600. Barcelona, Malaga and Benidorm are known as the spots tourists breaking this rule get caught out the most. BAD BEACH BEHAVIOUR The swimwear rule is not the only new regulation to have been implemented across certain sunshine destination in Spain. In some seaside towns, entering the beach between midnight and 7am can see tourists landed with a fine worth between €750 and €1,200. Swimming when the red flag is flying can cost €1,000. Sleeping or camping on the beach can result in a sickening €1,200 bill while placing a parasol or towel to reserve a space comes with the risk of a possible €150 fine. WHY IS SPAIN CLAMPING DOWN ON TOURISTS? MANY of Spain's most popular tourist destinations have been introducing tighter regulations for tourists as we approach the summer. It's a response to a fierce anti-tourism backlash in Spain. Locals blame tourists for crowded streets, traffic jams, a proliferation of souvenir stalls and generic coffee shops and restaurants and spiralling cost-of-living prices. Anger is also growing over the impact tourism is having on housing, with short-term tourist accommodation driving up the cost of rental properties. The new measures aim to mitigate the issues caused by overtourism and ensure a more sustainable tourism model. Smoking on the beach has a fine of up to €2,000 and alcohol is strictly banned - even when illegal beach vendors are offering it up at cheap prices. And urinating in the sea can get you a fine of €150. In parts of Benidorm and Tenerife, However, according to 'Frank The Stag Man', a travel agent who runs stag and hen dos in Benidorm, the fine does not include children's sandcastles and is aimed towards larger "sand architects ". ALCOHOL & DRUG CONSUMPTION The Irish government has issued warnings to Irish holidaymakers heading off to Spain to party. It said: "Alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland. "Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is generally not permitted and may result in a fine. "There have been fatalities involving Irish citizens who have consumed illegal drugs in Spain. "The Spanish authorities take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and such activity may result in imprisonment. "The authorities in Mallorca and Ibiza are particularly active in anti-drug law enforcement, and are likely to prosecute in cases of use or possession of drugs." 'STAY CLEAR' OF PROTESTS Multiple cities across Spain are expected to be brought to a standstill on June 15 when locals take to the streets to protest against mass tourism. Representatives of 60 groups in are among those who vowed that the date would mark their biggest protest yet. The demonstration in Palma, Majorca will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Some cities in And the Irish government has warned tourists abroad to "stay clear" of any protest action, amid fears that growing anger over mass tourism could make demonstrators more hateful. The Department of Foreign Affairs said: "Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning. "We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. "Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. "You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain." YOU'RE GETTING TAXED A NUMBER of popular Spanish tourist destinations have a tourist tax in place. Popular regions like Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia are among those who charge tourists a tax often added to their accomodation bill. However, some hotspots have confirmed that the tax on tourists will be upped this year. In the Balearic Islands, overnight charges may rise depending on the quality of the accommodation. The Balearic Islands include holiday hotspots such as Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza. Cruise ship passengers visiting the popular region will be hit with a 200 per cent increase in tax. In Barcelona, the tourist tax is set to double per person per night. But children under 16 are exempt in both cases. CAP ON CARS & CARAVANS Ibiza has this month introduced a limit on the number of tourists cars and caravans that can visit the hugely popular holiday island. From June 1 until September 30, the number of vehicles used by non-residents will be capped at 20,168. Only 16,000 of these vehicles will be allowed to be rental cars and the other 4,108 will be for tourists who want to disembark with their cars in Ibiza from the ports of Barcelona, Denia, Valencia, or Palma. And Irish tourists planning on taking a drive to the sunshine spots have been warned vehicles must obtain prior online authorisation first. Those making the journey in caravans must present a confirmed reservation at an authorised campsite on the island to make it through. I biza Island Council President Vicent Marí insisted the island is "not closing the door the door to tourists". He said: We're introducing this limit to guarantee the sustainability of Ibiza. The island cannot withstand uncontrolled tourism flows. "This measure is about protecting the quality of life for residents and the environment. "We are not closing the door to tourists. We are simply inviting them to enjoy our island in a way that is respectful, measured, and future-focused." 6 Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink (Stock Picture) Credit: Getty Images 6 Thousands took to the streets of Tenerife to protest about mass tourism last month Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists must have a valid ID on their person 'at all times' in Spain Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Toronto Sun
19-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Spain orders Airbnb to block 65,000 holiday rentals over rule violations
Published May 19, 2025 • 1 minute read FILE - Demonstrators march shouting slogans against the Formula 1 Barcelona Fan Festival in downtown Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, during residents protest against mass tourism. Photo by Emilio Morenatti / AP MADRID (AP) — Spain's government said on Monday that it had ordered Airbnb to block more than 65,000 holiday listings on its platform for having violated rules. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The consumer rights ministry said that many of the 65,935 Airbnb listings it had ordered to be withdrawn did not include their license number or specify whether the owner was an individual or a company. Others listed numbers that didn't match what authorities had. Spain is grappling with a housing affordability crisis that has spurred government action against short-term rental companies. In recent months, tens of thousands of Spaniards have taken to the streets protesting rising housing and rental costs, which many say have been driven up by holiday rentals on platforms like Airbnb that have proliferated in cities like Madrid and Barcelona and many other popular tourist destinations. Last year, Barcelona announced a plan to close down all of the 10,000 apartments licensed in the city as short-term rentals by 2028 to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents. A spokesperson for Airbnb could not be immediately reached for comment. Spain's government said the first round of rentals affected by the order are located across the country, including in the capital of Madrid, in Andalusia and also in Catalonia, whose capital is Barcelona.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
DeVonta Smith of the Eagles visits Spain as NFL ambassador ahead of 2025 game in Madrid
Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith holds the ball as he poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith holds the ball as he poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith holds the ball as he poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith holds the ball as he poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith holds the ball as he poses for a photo ahead of an interview with the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — DeVonta Smith enjoyed his first international game experience last September, when the Philadelphia Eagles opened what became a Super Bowl championship season by beating the Green Bay Packers in Brazil in the NFL's first game in South America. The fifth-year wide receiver is looking forward to the next one. With the NFL now able to schedule up to eight out-of-country games each season, there's a good chance that Smith will get another opportunity during his career. Advertisement The league's regular-season venue list includes Spain for the first time this year, with the Miami Dolphins giving up a home game to play in Madrid against an opponent to be announced on Tuesday. Smith was doing some football ambassador work on a recent visit to Barcelona, where he watched his first soccer match — the latest edition of the famed El Clasico rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. He said he's confident the NFL game will catch on in Spain as it has elsewhere. 'It's just a different culture over here, so a lot of people may not exactly know what's going on," Smith said. 'Just getting over here to showcase the talent so they can know more about the sport.' The Eagles, who will host the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 kickoff game on Sept. 4, will likely not be among the international participants this season for the seven games played out of the U.S. Their only 2025 opponent slated as the home team for an international game is the Los Angeles Chargers, who will play in Sao Paolo, Brazil, where the league is unlikely to send the Eagles for a second straight year. Advertisement The Dolphins are the home team for the game in Madrid. Others on the docket this season are Berlin (Indianapolis Colts), Dublin (Pittsburgh Steelers) and three games in London (Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets). ___ AP NFL:
The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘We will not stop' vow as Irish in Spain issued chilling ‘go home' warning before thousands to target 16 holiday spots
THOUSANDS of people across Spain are expected to attend protests scheduled across 16 holiday hotspots this summer, with activists vowing: "We will not stop". Unrest between locals and tourists is Advertisement 5 Demonstrators in Barcelona protesting against mass tourism last year Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti 5 Acitivists against tourism stopped a tourist bus in front of La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona last month Credit: REUTERS 5 A tourist looks at protesters marching on Las Americas beach during a demonstration against mass tourism in Tenerife last year Credit: Getty Images Protests over the past year have already seen thousands of Spaniards to march, block visitors from popular beaches and even The activists are calling for a crackdown on accommodation pricing and regulations on non-resident accommodation. They have also cited Southern Europe Against Touristification, based in Barcelona, has confirmed that coordinated international protests against "tourism monoculture" will take place across 17 tourist hot spots on June 15. Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL Protests will While activists from Santander, Genoa, Pamplona, Marseille, Milan, The cities Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN The Canary Islands Environmental Coordinator group, which campaigns for "clean and sustainable" Canary Islands, has blamed the Government for not taking action. Inside Tenerife's ongoing war between tourists and locals It said: "They [the Government] continue to point out the protests with no intention of correcting what's causing them. You are responsible. "We repeat: WE WILL NOT STOP. On May 18th, everyone, take to the streets." Protestors have vowed to ramp up their demonstrations in June, blocking popular attractions and staging rallies in areas of Spain that are most popular with holidayers. Advertisement It is understood that some locals plan to demonstrate at airports - potentially causing flight chaos - and blockade buses carrying tourists. Just last weekend, Activists blocked a tour bus and shot water pistols at it while chanting: "Tourists go home". Protestors vowed to instil "fear" into tourists, in a desperate attempt to see some change to tourism policies in their country. Advertisement MEASURES TAKEN SO FAR A WAVE of anti-tourist measures are being implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism in popular holiday hotspots. In , plans have been scrapped to build 1,300 tourist home, with a ban on land sales to foreigners being considered. On the party island of Earlier this year, Venice became the first city in the world to An area in The city has already The Spanish government has allowed Benidorm has introduced time restrictions, such as a ban on swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am. Greece has already enforced a tourist tax during the high season - from March to October - with visitors expected to pay from €1 to €4 per night, depending on the booked accommodation. Protestor Elena Boschi in Barcelona told the Mirror: "We want tourists to have some level of fear about the situation, without fear, there is no change." She added: "Our cities and regions are not for sale and there is an urgent need to limit the growth of tourism, demand a change of course and decide on a path to tourism de-growth as a way out". Similar events will take place across the Locals will start the demonstration - which Advertisement And a total of 15 separate groups have said they will take to the streets across the Canary Islands under an umbrella protest platform, fuming "The Canary Islands Have a Limit." The platform said: 'We've still lacking a true change of model that guarantees a decent future for the people who live in these islands. 'That's why we're announcing that in the month of May we will A spokesman claimed the eight islands that make up the Atlantic Ocean archipelago were 'collapsing' under tourist pressure and the future for locals being priced out of somewhere to live by 'foreign speculators' encouraged by regional government inaction looked bleaker than ever. Advertisement 5 Anti-tourism stickers have been placed around Palma Majorca Credit: The Sun - Peter Jordan 5 Overtourism protests took place in front of La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona last month Credit: REUTERS/
BreakingNews.ie
29-04-2025
- Climate
- BreakingNews.ie
Power returns to Spain and Portugal as outage cause remains a mystery
The cause of Spain and Portugal's widespread blackouts remained a mystery on Tuesday, with some isolated disruption remaining after power was largely restored. One of Europe's most severe blackouts grounded flights, paralysed train systems, disrupted mobile communications and shut down ATMs across the Iberian Peninsula on Monday. Advertisement By 11am on Tuesday, the Spanish electrical system was functioning normally, electricity operator Red Electrica said. Portuguese grid operator REN said power had been restored to all 6.4 million customers. As life began to return to normal, authorities in Spain had yet to provide further explanation for why the nation of 49 million people lost 15 gigawatts — equivalent to 60% of its national demand — in five seconds. A man sells battery-powered radios and torches on a Barcelona street during the blackout (Emilio Morenatti/AP) On Tuesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the government's priorities were restoring Spain's electrical system and finding the causes of the blackout so that a similar event 'never takes place again'. Spanish news agency EFE reported that authorities were investigating five deaths – including three members of the same family — that could be related to the blackout. Advertisement The three relatives died in Galicia because of possible carbon monoxide inhalation from a generator, a woman died in Valencia from problems with an oxygen supply machine and another died in a fire caused by a candle in Madrid, EFE said. Eduardo Prieto, director of services for system operations at Spain's electricity operator, noted two steep, back-to-back 'disconnection events' before Monday's blackout. He told journalists that more investigation was needed. Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET, said it had not detected any 'unusual meteorological or atmospheric phenomena', and no sudden temperature fluctuations were recorded at its weather stations. Portugal's National Cybersecurity Centre said there was no sign that the outage resulted from a cyberattack. Teresa Ribera, an executive vice president of the European Commission, also ruled out sabotage. Advertisement The Madrid Open tennis tournament resumed after the blackout caused 22 matches to be postponed. A packed schedule Tuesday included second-ranked Iga Swiatek advancing to the quarter-finals. At Spain's largest train stations, droves of travellers waited on Tuesday to board trains, or to rebook journeys. At Madrid's Atocha station, hundreds stood near screens waiting for updates. Many had spent the night at the station, wrapped in blankets provided by the Red Cross. People gather outside Atocha railway station in Madrid during the power outage (Manu Fernandez/AP) By 11am on Tuesday, service on Madrid's subway system was fully restored. In Barcelona, the system was operating normally, but some commuter trains remained suspended in the afternoon because of 'electrical instability', the company that runs the service, Rodalies Catalunya, said on X. In some parts of Spain, commuter and mid-distance services were still suspended or running at reduced capacity. Advertisement Emergency workers in Spain said they had rescued around 35,000 passengers on Monday stranded along railways and underground. The blackout was especially disruptive for transit systems, turning sports centres, railway stations and airports into makeshift refuges. Ruben Carion was stranded on a commuter train outside Madrid but opened a window and walked to the nearest station. He and a friend later spent the night in Atocha station. Sleeping on the floor 'hungry, thirsty and tired', the 24-year-old described his experience in two words: 'Pure chaos.'
