Spain’s sun-soaked coastal hotspots - Majorca, Alicante, and Benidorm - have long been magnets for British tourists seeking sea, sand, and sangria. But as 2025 kicks off a wave of new tourism laws across Spain’s most popular resorts, holiday habits may be forced to change.

What's Changing?

Spanish regional governments, particularly in the Balearic Islands (including Majorca) and the Valencian Community (home to Alicante and Benidorm), are tightening restrictions on tourist behaviour in a bid to tackle overtourism, reduce alcohol-fuelled disorder, and protect local communities.

These new laws include:

• Stricter controls on public drinking and alcohol sales

• Increased fines for street parties, public nudity, and antisocial behaviour

• Limits on short-term holiday rentals in residential areas

• Tourist caps in certain resort zones

• Crackdowns on so-called "drunken tourism" deals, including bar crawls and all-you-can-drink offers

Majorca Leading the Way

In Majorca, the local government has introduced tougher enforcement in Magaluf and Playa de Palma, notorious for party tourism. British tourists caught breaking the rules could face on-the-spot fines of up to €3,000 for street drinking or disruptive behaviour. Bars offering "two-for-one" drink promotions or happy hours could lose their licences altogether under the updated legislation.

Alicante & Benidorm: Focus on Respectful Tourism

Meanwhile, in Alicante and Benidorm - favourites with UK families and retirees - the new tourism strategy focuses more on promoting quality over quantity. Benidorm’s local council has already announced that "low-cost party tourism" is no longer welcome. Authorities are investing in campaigns encouraging responsible tourism, highlighting the area's natural beauty, gastronomy, and cultural heritage.

Alicante is tightening regulations on noise complaints, littering, and behaviour in public spaces, with local police stepping up patrols in busy tourist zones.

How Are British Tourists Reacting?

Reactions from UK travellers are mixed. "We’ve been coming to Benidorm for 15 years - we love it for the atmosphere," says Martin, a holidaymaker from Manchester. "We don’t come to cause trouble, but we do enjoy a drink. As long as they don’t kill the fun, fair enough." Others welcome the move. Lisa from Bristol, visiting Majorca this summer, told local media: "It’s about time they cleaned things up a bit. Families don’t want to see stag dos running riot."

Travel Experts Advise: Know Before You Go

Travel industry experts are urging British holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with local rules before travelling. "Tourism in Spain is evolving," says Rebecca Lloyd, a travel consultant based in London. "Respecting the new laws isn’t just about avoiding a fine — it’s about being a good guest in someone else’s home." Online resources like local tourism board websites and UK government travel advice pages are recommended for up-to-date guidance.

Bottom Line: A New Era for Spain’s Holiday Hotspots

Spain’s new tourism laws aren’t designed to spoil anyone’s holiday - they’re about preserving the places millions love to visit. For British tourists planning a 2025 getaway to Majorca, Alicante, or Benidorm, the message is clear: the sun is still shining, the beaches are still beautiful - just remember to respect the rules, the locals, and the culture. Failing that? Be ready for a hefty fine with your next round of drinks.