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As many Britons look to book their 2026 holidays during the January sales, travel insurance experts are warning of some recent rule changes in European hotspots. Travel insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are revealing some of the newest rules for Brits this year, with some carrying fines of up to €1,500 (£1,300).

Overtourism, anti-social behaviour and environmental impacts are driving many councils to introduce new regulations in holiday favourites like Palma, Albufeira and San Sebastian. Some of the stricter regulations facing tourists this year include smoking and vaping bans on popular beaches and regulations on suitable clothing in public areas.

Quotezone's travel insurance expert, Helen Rolph, said: "With many household budgets already feeling the pressure, the last thing anyone needs is an unexpected fine while trying to enjoy their holiday, but it's important that travellers do their homework before jetting off and make sure they don't accidentally anger local residents or disrespect their cultures.

"It's always important to review local rules and guidance before visiting any country, in order to respect their laws and avoid fines. Our research looked at recent and upcoming laws and regulations in some of the most popular tourist locations for UK travellers - revealing issues that holidaymakers need to be aware of.

"From vaping on the beach to wearing swimwear around the town, councils are putting their foot down in a bid to improve conditions for local communities and protect their homes.

"Holidaymakers who break these rules could end up with huge fines, putting pressure on their holiday finances and even ruining their holiday."

In an effort to crack down on excessive tourist behaviour, Albufeira, in Portugal, is introducing new rules for holidaymakers. These new rules prohibit holidaymakers from wearing swimwear in public areas away from a beach or pool, and anyone who does not comply could receive an on-the-spot fine of up to €1,500 - joining Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Nice, which have similar laws.

The new code of conduct also bans forms of antisocial behaviour, including drinking alcohol in the street, bringing in fines from €300 (£260) to €1,500, or wild camping and spitting in public, with fines from €150 (£130) to €750 (£650).

Meanwhile, San Sebastian has launched a crackdown on shouting, vaping, litter and loudspeakers. This coastal town in Spain, close to the French border, is very popular with tourists. However, as a result, local people and community groups have complained extensively about the number of noise complaints and the litter piling up along the shore. Now, the council has banned smoking and vaping and will limit the use of loudspeakers. The city plans to fully implement these rules by June 2026.

Following growing concerns of overtourism, Palma, Majorca, unveiled new rules for its essential port. The city has banned party boats from 2026, as these often alcohol-fuelled attractions have attracted noise complaints from residents. Officials are working closely with the Balearic port authority in order to understand how the restrictions will be enforced, in the hope that these measures will improve the quality of tourism in the area and make it more pleasant for local residents.