A Brit-dominated tourist destination is expected to bring in a host of new strict rules. Last year, a record-breaking 5.2 million visited The Algarve - Portugal's southernmost region - with the overwhelming majority of 4.4 million coming from Britain.
But, the city has seen its fair share of public disorder and nuisance, especially on the seaside city's strip of Albuferia, which attracts hen and stag parties from all over. And now mayor of the city council, José Carlos Martins Rolo is clamping down on the issue. Following a council meeting in December 2024, it was decided the region would 'test' the Draft Code of Behaviour, which explicitly bans people from being nude or partly nude in public areas. Under the new rules, tourists leaving the beach still in their bikinis or Speedos could risk a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,250).
The tough crackdown comes after eight British men were filmed dancing completely naked in broad daylight in a bar on The Strip. Footage of the shocking behaviour went viral online. It is believed it was this incident that sparked an emergency meeting with the local council, security forces and businesses. In a proposal document, measures have been set out to keep Albuferia 'a multicultural, family-friendly and safe destination'. This includes fining those found urinating or defecating in public areas, as well as anyone spotted spitting in the streets. Albufeira will join a bunch of European cities with similar laws, including Barcelona in Spain and Croatia's Dubrovnik.
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter. "It is urgent to establish measures that allow us to effectively deal with the adoption of abusive behaviour, especially by those who seek the municipality of Albufeira as a tourist destination," a translated version of the document reads. "Measures that appear to be of a preventive nature, in order to prevent the practice of acts that, by their nature, may cause undesirable damage to the resident population and the image of the municipality as a tourist destination.".
The document bans any type of behaviour that 'by its nature or effects, puts at risk the legally protected rights and interests of third parties or the safety of people and property'. This includes:. Is Albuferia right to ban bikinis in public? Have your say in the comments section below.
