Spain remains one of the most visited destinations for UK travellers, with British tourists making up the most significant proportion of the 94 million international visitors recorded in 2024.
But as visitor numbers soar, frustration among locals has led to widespread protests and a wave of new tourism-related regulations to ease pressure on popular hotspots.
From new taxes to public behavior bans, British holidaymakers planning trips to Spain or the Canary Islands in 2025 should be aware of several significant changes.
Tourist Taxes on the Rise
Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera): Authorities are preparing to increase the existing tourist tax, with overnight charges set to rise from £3.36 to £5.04 per person, per night.
The fee will vary by accommodation type, with higher-end hotels charging the most during peak summer months. A one-week stay in a luxury hotel could now cost an extra £35.31 per guest — an increase of £11.77.
Cruise ship passengers will be particularly affected, with their tax tripling from £1.68 to £5.04 per night. Exemptions: children under 16 and those visiting in January or February.
Barcelona: By the end of 2025, the city’s tourist levy is set to double. Currently, five-star hotel guests pay £6.20 per night, while four-star visitors pay £4.70.
These fees are expected to rise to £12.40, depending on accommodation quality. Those staying in holiday flats currently pay £5.20. In Catalonia, fees range between 99p and £4.95. Exemptions: Children under 16.
Currency Alert: €50 Notes May Be Rejected
Starting in July, tourists may face trouble using damaged or worn €50 notes in Spain. The Central Bank is cracking down on counterfeit and vandalized bills, making these notes increasingly unacceptable in shops and restaurants. Other denominations like €5, €10, and €20 are unaffected by the policy.
Banned Items and Behaviour on Gran Canaria Beaches
New beach rules rolled out in Gran Canaria include a long list of prohibited items and actions, with fines of up to £2,517 for violations. Tourists are forbidden from:
- Smoking or vaping
- Playing music in sunbathing zones
- Cooking on the beach
- Using tents or umbrellas for shade
- Reserving loungers or beach space
- Taking shells, stones, or turning over rocks
- Engaging in public sex
- Blocking walkways or access routes
- Abusing public showers
- Fishing within 150 metres of swimming zones
Fines range from £25 to £2,517, depending on the severity of the infraction, though the categories of offenses have not been clearly defined.
Group Limits on Walking Tours in Palma, Mallorca
Walking tours in Palma will now be capped at 20 people per group, though enforcement methods are still unclear.
The new rule aims to reduce congestion in the historic city center. In the Balearic Islands, tour groups can still operate with up to 70 participants.
‘Residents Only’ Zone in Sóller, Mallorca
The town of Sóller in Mallorca has restricted access to its center by introducing a ‘residents only’ driving zone. The policy spans 70 hectares across 12 streets and bars hire cars or non-local vehicles from entering. Tourists will need to leave their vehicles in designated car parks outside the zone.
Malaga’s Holiday Rental Freeze Is Not a Ban on Tourists
From January 14, 2025, Malaga will pause the registration of new short-term holiday lets in 43 districts. While some have dubbed this a ‘tourist ban,’ it is a measure to regulate the rental market and improve access for local residents.
Hotels, Airbnbs, and existing holiday rentals are still available for booking. Similar policies have been introduced in Alicante, Madrid, and potentially Seville.
Night-Time Alcohol Ban in Party Resorts
Several party hotspots in Majorca and Ibiza, including Magaluf, Sant Antoni, Calvia, and Llucmajor, have banned alcohol sales between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The rule, introduced in 2024, is intended to reduce alcohol-fueled disturbances.
Drinking on public streets during these hours is also prohibited. Additionally, party boats are banned from operating within one nautical mile of these areas.
Bottom Line: As Spain tightens its tourism policies, UK travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with these changes before heading abroad. Staying informed can help you avoid unexpected costs and stay on the right side of the law.
