No smoking and no peeing in the sea: you may not have known these European beach rules | To travel

No towels

Spiaggia della Pelosa in Sardinia is considered by many (especially the locals) to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The locals want to keep it that way. To prevent mass tourism, visitors therefore now have to pay an entrance fee of three euros. A maximum of 1500 people are allowed to enjoy the beach daily. If you are one of the lucky ones, you will receive a bracelet as proof that you have paid. Remarkable: you are not allowed to lay down a towel here to enjoy the sun. That would not be good for the quality of the sand.

Don’t pee in the sea

A remarkable rule in Vigo (Galicia): urinating in the sea is strictly forbidden. Also urinating on the beach is completely against the rules. Sea and beach peepers can be fined up to 750 euros. The rule is aimed at getting Vigo’s beaches cleaner. By the way, besides peeing, you are also not allowed to defecate in the sea…

Do not smoke

Smoking a cigarette while sitting with your feet in the sand on the beach of Barcelona? You better not do that, because it is forbidden. If you do light a cigarette, you risk a fine of thirty euros.

Bikinis and football shirts

Then there are also a number of tourist resorts where certain dress codes apply. In Sorrento on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, it is forbidden to wear swimwear when you are not on the beach or by the pool. You are also not allowed to roam the streets of Sorrento with a bare-chested waist. It can result in a fine of 500 (!) euros.

Also in Mallorca they want tourists to look decent. Football shirts and clothing with logos of alcohol brands are best left at home (or in the suitcase). If you do wear them, you will not be fined. However, there is a good chance that you will not be welcome in a restaurant.