Wearing bikinis outside of beach or pool zones, drinking alcohol in the street and nude or sexual acts in public can now cost offenders hundreds to nearly thousands of euros in fines
Tourists strolling through town in swimsuits or bikinis or drinking booze in the streets could now find themselves facing hefty fines, as Albufeira’s new code of conduct officially came into effect this Tuesday (June 24).
The newly implemented rules aim to curb “excessive behaviour” in public spaces and fight back against Albufeira’s growing image as a place where ‘anything goes’. The measure, approved by the Albufeira Municipal Assembly on June 6 and published in the official state gazette (Diário da República) on Monday, introduces a range of fines for behaviours deemed inappropriate outside of designated areas.
Here’s a breakdown of what is now banned, and how much offenders can expect to pay:
- Wearing bikinis or swimwear outside beach or pool zones: fines from €300 to €1,500
- Drinking alcohol in the street, urinating, or defecating in public: also €300 to €1,500
- Nude or sexual acts in public: fines between €500 and €1,800
- Wild camping, sleeping rough, or spitting in public: €150 to €750
Before fines start being charged, the local council plans to install signs across the town with clear explanations of the new rules. There will also be a grace period of public awareness, during which visitors will be warned rather than fined immediately.
“People have to start changing their mindset and behaviour,” Albufeira mayor José Carlos Rolo told Lusa news agency. “Our goal is to prevent these issues and not have to act after they have happened.”
Rolo has also called on business owners and nightlife staff to help inform tourists about the changes.
Albufeira’s code of conduct had been in the pipeline for years, but its implementation was streamlined after several cases of “excessive behaviour” last summer which have continued this year, locals and tourists have told the Resident.
The code is part of a wider push to protect the municipality’s reputation and maintain its appeal. With nearly half of the Algarve’s hotel capacity located in Albufeira, the town is one of the Algarve’s most visited destinations.
