The UK’s Foreign Office has posted its latest travel advice for Spain, as thousands of Brits get set to jet off on their summer holidays.
The Balearic and Canary Islands are particular favourite destinations for UK travellers, a majority of whom appear undeterred by recent anti-tourist rallies.
A number of new laws though have been passed to curb excessive drinking and lewd behaviour in public spaces.
Local authorities are threatening to impose hefty fines of up to €3,000 (£2,584) for any breaches.
In its latest travel warning for the Balearics, the UK government warned travellers of the rule changes.
They wrote: “Local laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol in areas of some resorts on the Balearic Islands, including: Magaluf (Calvià), Mallorca Playa de Palma, Mallorca San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany), Ibiza.
“This bans: happy hours open bars (such as ‘all you can drink in one hour’ offers), the sale of alcohol from vending machines, self-service alcohol, dispensers, organising pub crawls and party boat trips, ‘off-licence’ sales between 9.30pm and 8am.”
Travellers were also warned about attending organised parties that may not be licensed by the authorities.
If party goers are caught at any such event, they are also liable for stiff fines.
“There have been a number of serious accidents involving people attending illegal commercially promoted parties in villas and private homes on the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca,” the FCO said.
“Licensed clubs and bars have to meet safety and security standards, including emergency exits and capacity limits, and have trained, licensed security staff.
“Illegal commercial parties may not meet these standards. Take care of your belongings, make sure you know where emergency exits are and do not take unnecessary risks. You may get a fine for attending illegal commercially promoted parties.”
Hikers in Tenerife were also warned about the potential danger posed by altitude sickness.
One of the most popular hiking trails leads up to the summit of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain and the country’s largest volcano
Hikers can trek to the 3,715 metre peak via a 9 kilometre long trail from Montaña Blanca. It takes between six to seven hours to cover the distance.
The FCO said: “Altitude sickness may be a risk in some of the higher mountain ranges in Spain, particularly in the regions of Granada, Huesca and Tenerife.”
