Walking through town without a shirt might feel natural on a hot day, but in several Spanish cities it can lead to a hefty fine. Local bylaws in some of the country’s most visited destinations ban going bare-chested or wearing only swimwear in the streets, and the penalties can reach €750.
Mallorca
In Palma and a number of other Mallorcan municipalities, going topless or walking around in swimwear away from the beach and promenade areas can bring a fine of more than €500. Many bars and restaurants also have their own dress rules and can refuse to serve customers in swimwear, as well as groups in football shirts or fancy dress.
Málaga and Marbella
On the Costa del Sol, both cities have bylaws that ban walking or standing around in public places without a shirt, unless a sign says otherwise. Fines range from €300 to €750.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s civic behaviour rules treat being bare-chested, or wearing only a bikini top, in the street as an offence. Fines there are lower, between €120 and €300.
Alicante
Alicante’s rules also forbid walking around topless in public streets, with fines in the same €300–€750 range as Málaga and Marbella.
Driving without a shirt
Separately from local bylaws, the national traffic authority, the DGT, can fine drivers between €80 and €200 for driving without a top or in a way that could affect their control of the vehicle.
Nudist beaches are different
Spain has many official naturist beaches where nudity is entirely legal. The bylaws apply to streets, squares and other public spaces in towns, not to beaches where nudity is permitted. Signs usually mark where these areas begin and end.
How to avoid a fine
- Carry a T-shirt or cover-up for the walk between the beach and town.
- Look out for signs about dress codes, especially on seafront promenades.
- Keep swimwear for beaches, pools and designated areas.
- Never drive bare-chested.
The rules are aimed mainly at keeping town centres and old quarters pleasant for residents, many of whom have complained about visitors walking through shops and historic streets in swimwear.
