Holidaymakers venturing to Spain this summer have been warned about strict dress code rules that could see them slapped with an on-the-spot £500 fine.
Laws in parts of the country forbid the wearing of bikinis and swimwear in certain public places.
Going shirtless is another rule, facing the same potential financial penalties.
The Foreign Office has is warning that if people are caught not properly covered up in some areas near to beaches they will be stopped by the police.
While swimwear is still fine to wear on the beach or by the pool, in some areas of Spain it is against the law to be dressed that way in the streets.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) explained: “In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts.
“Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You may be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.”
Where do the rules apply?
This fine applies to the city of Barcelona, where anyone caught in a bikini in the town centre could be fined up to £250.
Whereas in the Balearic Islands, which includes Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza, people in swimwear, or walking around shirtless, in areas beyond the beach could be hit with a fine of up to £500.
The rules on holiday attire go a step further in some resorts, such as in Majorca where some restaurants and bars are not allowing anyone wearing apparel associated with “drunken tourism”.
This comes as part of a recent crackdown on some resorts’ drinking culture, which has caused issues with local residents and police over the years.
This includes a ban on happy hours and open bar deals in certain areas.
Iago Negueruela, the tourism minister for the Balearic Islands, previously said: “We want British tourists. We don’t want this type of tourism. British tourism is essential for our islands.
“We share with the British government the view that some images of British tourists are embarrassing. We want to put a stop to bad behaviour.
“We will increase the police presence in these areas and the number of inspectors. We will have zero tolerance for tourism excesses.”
The FCDO added that some parts of Spain don’t allow people to wear a burka or niqab.
It said: “For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain do not allow the burka or niqab to be worn in their buildings. If you visit town council buildings wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it while inside.”
