The oppressive summer heat, together with the heat waves experienced in recent years, forces people to look for various means to cool off. In this context, it is common to see people choosing to go out shirtless outdoors in many areas of Spain, especially in coastal areas. However, it is important to remember that several cities have regulations that prohibit going shirtless in public, which means that one can face penalties.
We're going to tell you if it's okay to go shirtless in the street and what aspects you should keep in mind to avoid ending up paying a fine that ruins your vacation.
Is it against the regulations to walk down the street without a shirt?
In Spain, there is no national law regulating the wearing of shirts in public. Furthermore, there is no national legislation prohibiting nudity, as it is up to municipal ordinances to determine where nudism is permitted. To learn more about areas where heat might influence this behavior and when it may be advisable to remove your shirt, you can consult information on the urban heat island effect and its impact on temperatures . Consequently, there is no national law prohibiting walking shirtless in public , so it is necessary to consult the local ordinances of each area to determine if this practice is allowed. The reality is that municipal governments have the authority to regulate this type of behavior. In many coastal cities in Spain, engaging in this practice can result in various fines.
Is it possible to receive a fine for walking without a shirt on the street?
As we have already mentioned, going shirtless on the street can lead to a fine. This depends on the regulations established by the municipal ordinance of the city council of your specific town or city. To determine if this practice may entail a financial penalty, it is necessary to consult said ordinance.
The following major Spanish cities impose fines for walking shirtless in public: Alicante. In February 2022, the Civic Coexistence Ordinance was enacted, which includes regulations against begging and prostitution. This ordinance also introduces various infractions that can result in fines of up to 750 euros . Among these penalties is the offense of “being naked or with one's torso completely uncovered” in public areas, except for beaches, nearby promenades, swimming pools, and other specifically designated locations.
Places where it is prohibited to go without a shirt
These are the places where it is prohibited to go shirtless if you are walking on public roads:
- In Alicante, Going without a shirt on public roads can lead to a fine.
- Barcelona: The beach area prohibits going without a shirt. A Measures Ordinance establishes fines of between 120 and 300 euros for wearing a swimsuit or without a shirt. If a person is naked or partially clothed, the penalties can amount to between 300 and 500 euros.
- In the municipality of Salou It is prohibited to go without a shirt in the urban center, the municipal market and the old town. Before imposing a fine, officers must warn the person. Financial sanctions can vary between 100 and 300 euros.
- Playa de Palma: The entire city imposes penalties for lack of clothing. The only areas where you can walk around without a shirt and in a swimsuit without fear of a fine are those designated by decree of the mayor, including the promenade and the promenade. Anyone caught walking on public roads or in common spaces wearing only a swimsuit risks being fined. Sanctions can vary between 100 and 200 euros.
- Marbella: In 2018, an ordinance was passed regulating coexistence in public spaces. Financial penalties ranging from 300 to 750 euros are imposed for walking around without a shirt or practising nudism in unauthorized areas. Among the places where it is permitted to walk around without a shirt are beaches, swimming pools, the promenade and access to the coast.
- Sant Antoni de Portmany He assures that being dressed correctly, which includes wearing a t-shirt, is an "inexcusable obligation." To speed up the process of paying violations, fines can be reduced to a minimum.
In which Spanish cities is it allowed to go out without a shirt?
To determine which Spanish cities allow shirtless streetwalks, you must consult the city's municipal ordinance. Each municipality has the authority to legislate on this matter and to apply any fines it deems appropriate; all of this must be approved and specified in the municipal ordinance itself.
In Valladolid, the intention was to approve sanctions in this matter. However, the Civic Coexistence Ordinance was annulled by the Superior Court of Justice of Castilla y León. Meanwhile, in the Valencian Community an attempt was made to impose fines for being shirtless on public roads, but ultimately the initiative did not prosper. Instead, coastal cities in the autonomous community simply prohibit entry to establishments without a shirt.
In Alicante, the Civic Coexistence Ordinance was enacted in February 2022, which includes provisions addressing begging and prostitution. It also establishes several acts that are subject to penalties, with fines that can reach up to 750 euros.
One of the rules states that it is prohibited to “be shirtless or completely naked in public spaces, except on beaches, nearby boardwalks, swimming pools or other designated places.” Consequently, you can now receive a fine for not wearing a shirt in the city.
In Malaga, economic sanctions ranging from 300 to 750 euros have been implemented.
Tips to save the fine
It's easy to disagree with these kinds of regulations, but it's also easy to avoid fines. If you're on vacation at the beach and want to buy food or leave the beach, it's best to put on a t-shirt and some trousers over it. If you're going for a walk along the promenade, a t-shirt is all you need; you won't need to take off your swimsuit.