The new penalties are part of a crackdown by the Albufeira town hall on semi-nudity outside of designated areas like beaches and hotel swimming pools. According to the new Code of Behaviour, which is currently under public consultation, holidaymakers caught walking in swimwear or in a state of partial nudity will be subject to fines ranging from €300 to €1,500.

These regulations aim to “create better conditions for the development of the municipality, preserving Albufeira as a multicultural, family-friendly, and safe destination that values its heritage and identity”. Those engaging in more serious misconduct, such as public nudity or sexual activity, could face even higher fines of up to €1,800.

“It is urgent to establish measures that effectively address the adoption of abusive behaviours, particularly by those who seek the municipality as a tourist destination”, Jose Carlos Rolo, Mayor of Albufeira, emphasised in relation to the new measures to combat inappropriate attitudes.

This declaration follows a summer incident involving a group of British tourists who shocked locals with nudity and drunken antics in a bar, leading to public backlash. The footage, which went viral, showed partygoers engaging in indecent behaviour, sparking a call for greater policing in the area.

The Council of Albufeira seeks to improve the town’s image, focusing on family-oriented tourism while distancing itself from its part-resort reputation, stating its desire to diversity its tourist offering and attract a wider range of visitors.

In addition to the bikinis, the new code also includes rules against street drinking, with potential fines starting at €300. The public consultation on the latest rules will run for 30 days, after which the regulations are expected to be implemented in time for the summer season.

As tourists flock to the Algarve, the new measures are designed to ensure that Albufeira remains a safe, multicultural destination, offering a balanced experience for both residents and visitors.