Tourists in Albufeira, one of Portugal's prime holiday spots in the Algarve known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, may soon be facing fines for wearing swimwear away from the beach. The city has proposed new regulations that would enforce this dress code, with penalties reaching up to €1,500 (£1,250) for those caught in bikinis or going shirtless in public areas outside the beach.
This move aligns Albufeira with several European cities that have enacted similar laws, such as Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and Nice. With the influx of British holidaymakers largely contributing to the city's tourism, it has also drawn attention for unruly behavior in recent years. A notorious incident last year saw footage of eight British men dancing fully naked at a local bar on Rua da Oura circulate widely, prompting authorities to take action.
In response, local officials, including Mayor José Carlos Rolo, convened a council meeting to address problems associated with excessive tourist behavior. Rolo aimed to revitalize Albufeira's image as a multicultural, family-friendly destination by stressing the necessity of these urgent changes to the code of conduct, which also includes forbidding public sexual acts.
This proposal, which is currently undergoing public consultation, indicates that business operators allowing such misconduct on their premises may also face significant penalties. If approved, the regulations could be enacted just in time for the forthcoming summer tourist season, underscoring Albufeira’s commitment to ensuring a respectful and safe environment for both tourists and locals alike.
