Tourists visiting Albufeira, a bustling city in Portugal's southern Algarve, may face fines for sporting swimwear outside beach zones due to new regulations aimed at deterring public nudity and maintaining local decorum. The city, well-known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, has revised its conduct code to prohibit both complete and partial nudity in various public spaces.
Under the proposed changes, individuals wearing a bikini or going shirtless away from the beach could incur fines reaching up to €1,500 (£1,250). Albufeira's decision aligns it with other European destinations like Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and Nice, which have enacted similar laws to combat excessive display of skin in public areas.
The move follows a rise in concerning incidents that have marred the city's reputation. A notorious episode last year involved a group of British tourists filmed dancing entirely nude on a popular bar street, causing outrage and prompting a response from local authorities. In light of this and other inappropriate behavior, the mayor, José Carlos Rolo, emphasized the need for stricter regulations to preserve Albufeira as a safe, multicultural, and family-friendly holiday spot.
In addition to the swimwear restrictions, the new regulations will also outlaw public sexual acts. Businesses that neglect to manage unruly behavior on their premises may face heavy penalties. Currently, the proposal is under public consultation, with expectations for its implementation ahead of the upcoming summer tourist season.
