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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits hit with £640 fine warning for buying items from certain places in Spain
In a brutal new crackdown, Spanish authorities are said to be imposing hefty fines for tourists found to be buying souvenirs and other items from certain types of street vendors A popular Spanish city has unveiled a brutal clampdown that could see Brits slapped with a hefty fine. Police in Palma, the capital of Majorca, are reportedly imposing the first penalties against people found to have purchased products such as sunglasses, bags, and souvenirs from illegal street sellers. It comes as the town hall launched a new ordinance on May 26 - which strictly prohibits both residents and holidaymakers in the Litoral district (which spans from Can Pere Antoni to Arenal) from buying items from unauthorised vendors. Often referred to as 'looky looky' men, tourist-riddled hotspots like Spain are rife with dodgy merchants that often sell counterfeit products such as fake designer handbags and scarves. Of course, selling knock-off goods has never been legal in Spain, and provisions to fine counterfeit sellers and their customers have been in place since 2018. However, Spain is cracking down on this with a set of bylaws updating existing regulations, arguing the black-market train 'harms legal establishments'. According to Majorca Daily Bulletin, sellers themselves are subject to sky-high fines of between €750 and €1,500 (approximately £640 and £1,281 respectively). For tourists, fines start at €100 (£85) but can climb up to €750 (£640). Presumably, this will depend on the number of illegal goods being purchased. "In one case, eleven sunglasses were seized from the seller as evidence of illegal vending, while the purchaser was fined for 'making a purchase from an unlicensed street vendor on the public way'," the publication states - citing a recent police report. "This doesn't say if the person fined was a tourist or a resident." It is believed the Official Bulletin of the Balearic Islands regularly publishes pages with a list of offenders. However, many street vendors have no known address, which has cast the effectiveness of the steep fines into doubt. The announcement comes just days after Palma has also unveiled ambitious plans to cut down the number of sunbeds on its beaches by a whopping 1,700 by next year. As previously reported, the city's council has allegedly green-lighted plans to reduce sun loungers by 20 per cent by 2026, citing both over-tourism and rising levels. "There has been a loss of sand on the beaches, and we couldn't maintain the same number of sunbeds and umbrellas - and this has coincided with complaints from residents who feel they have less space," a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs of the Balearic Islands reportedly said. "The mayor [Jaime Martínez] is aware that the majority of residents don't use the sun bed service, so we decided to implement this redistribution." The Local Es, a Spanish news site, claims this will impact several popular stretches of coastline, and will see Platja de Palma go from 6,000 sunbeds down to 4,436. The publication says Cala Major beach will go from 300 to 250 sunbeds, while Cala Estància will also have 18 fewer sunbeds by next year.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Tourists hit with €750 fines for buying illegal souvenirs in Spanish hotspot
Palma Police have begun to impose fines on people who buy products from illegal street sellers in the Majorca holiday hotspot, in a bid to stop the sale of counterfeit items Holidaymakers eager to score a discount could find themselves slapped with a hefty fine. Knock-off sunglasses sellers and fake handbag hoikers have long been a fixture of tourist destinations in Spain. Despite being illegal, police have struggled to clamp down on the trade. If you've ever been to central Barcelona, then you will have seen the impressive speed with which towels laden with budget goodies are folded up and whisked away whenever a police officer nears. Now a police force in Spain have decided to put pressure on the buyers as well as the sellers, to see if that has an impact. Palma Police have begun to impose fines on people who buy products from illegal street sellers. In one case, eleven sunglasses were seized from the seller as evidence of illegal vending, while the buyer was fined for "making a purchase from an unlicensed street vendor on the public way", Majorca Daily Bulletin reported. The police have not said whether the person fined was a tourist or a resident. Police received new powers to arrest buyers at the end of May. The town hall of the Majorcan city has launched an information campaign to warn both residents and tourists about the risks of purchasing products from unauthorised vendors. The police force has said that this type of trade harms legal establishments and can result in a financial penalty for the buyer. Sellers are subject to fines of between €750 and €1,500 (£641 to £1,282). For buyers the range is €100 to €750 (£85 to £640). UK sunseekers may want to brush up on Spanish regulations before heading to the country this year, given how much local authorities there seem to love a fine. Organising "unauthorised gatherings" could see Brits forking out as much as €750 for blasting tunes too loudly. In places like Valencia, setting up unapproved tents or shelters might land you a fine ranging from €1,501 to €3,000. Spain's beaches are increasingly becoming smoke-free areas, with lighting up potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, while sipping a drink on the sands or promenade could set you back between €1,501 and €3,000. Caught with a tipple in public? You could be coughing up to €3,000. Majorcan hotspots such as Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf have even curtailed alcohol sales from 9:30pm to 8am and clamped down on happy hour promotions. For those who throw loud parties without permission, a €750 fine awaits, and Valencia's crackdown includes hefty charges of up to €3,000 for unsanctioned tent pitching. Many beaches have now become smoke-free zones, with a ciggie potentially costing you up to €450 in fines, and penalties for boozing on the beach or promenade ranging from €1,501 to €3,000. READ MORE: Brits avoid Spain after protests and warn 'we won't go if we're not wanted' Spain has also put a cap on daily visitors at certain beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Platja d'Aro, in Costa Brava, has announced fines up to €1,500 for appearing in public "with clothing representing human genitals" in a crackdown on stag and hen dos from Blighty. The bylaw specifically bans people from appearing "on the public thoroughfare without clothing or only in their underwear or with clothing or accessories representing human genitals or with dolls or other accessories of a sexual nature". There's also new information required for those wanting to book digs or hire motors. Information gathered by hotel owners, private rental providers and car hire companies will now be passed on to the Spanish Ministry of Interior to bolster the country's national security.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Soaring food prices could deter tourists from Brit holiday hotspot
Soaring food prices could deter tourists from Brit holiday hotspot The Balearic Islands have seen a rise in the cost of essential goods like oil and bottled water, with the increasing cost of living now the top concern for residents Costs of essential items have skyrocketed in popular destinations across the Balearic Islands (Image: Holger Leue via Getty Images ) Food prices on the Balearic Islands have skyrocketed in tandem with the surge in tourist numbers over the past five years - with essential items such as oil and bottled water seeing a price hike of over 50%. Although local protests have primarily centred around the island group's suffering housing market, believed to be due to an increase in short-term lets and second-home owners, a burgeoning cost-of-living crisis is also being experienced in this popular holiday destination. According to a survey by the Balearic Institute of Social Studies, concerns about affording everyday food items surpassed overtourism and the housing market as the most pressing issue among residents, with 84% of respondents describing it as a serious problem. Alfonso Rodriguez, president of the Consubal consumers association, revealed that the cost of oil had risen by 67% since 2020, with sugar, lamb, bottled water and juice all also up by around 50%, as reported by the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Coupled with growing discontent and a new wave of planned protests, these escalating costs could deter international visitors from choosing Majorca and Ibiza for their summer holidays - with research indicating a decline in both domestic and foreign spending. Data released by restaurant association Restauración CAEB showed a revenue drop in Majorca's hospitality sector by up to 20% during the first quarter of 2025, with both Spanish travellers and those from abroad appearing to spend less than the previous year. Article continues below "If spending in our sector decreases, it will inevitably affect the entire local economy," cautioned the association's president, Juan Miguel Ferrer, reports the Express. The surge in food prices could be attributed to the influx of affluent expats, with foreign residents comprising nearly half of the archipelago's population, potentially impacting tourist spending. The Balearic Islands' reliance on imported produce, coupled with rising inflation and increasing raw material costs, renders them susceptible to high food costs. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Consequently, business owners might be compelled to pass the financial burden to customers, which affluent Brits might be able to afford, but could exacerbate the struggles of locals already finding it difficult to pay their rent. According to reporter Peter Clover, writing in the Majorca Daily Bulletin last summer: "Majorca has become uber-expensive for the average consumer, and is perhaps in danger of outpricing itself in favour of caressing the plump wallets of the super-rich." "I'm almost certain that somewhere along the line, some retail entrepreneurs are taking the proverbial and raking in the profits, while happily shafting the customer," he added. Article continues below "But that still means that as an island, we take a harder hit than most!" Housing access emerges as a significant worry for Balearic locals, with a social studies institute revealing that 72% view it as a "great concern", while two-thirds of the 1,300 individuals polled express deep concerns over the persistent effects of overtourism.
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Spanish seaside town loved by Brits is one of country's 'most expensive' spots
A seaside resort that is popular with Brits was named as one of the most expensive places to rent in Spain. A beachside flat is almost 10 per cent more expensive in Puerto Pollensa than in 2023 A stunning seaside town in Majorca, loved by Brits, has been identified as one of the priciest places to rent in Spain According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, renting a beachside flat in Puerto Pollensa was nearly 10 per cent for expensive in 2024 than the year before. The most expensive rental locations are Puerto Pollensa, Santanyi and Ibiza, according to the same publication. It reported that average weekly rates have risen to £987 (1,160 euros) from £898 (1,055 euros) in 2023. The Bulletin revealed that a beachfront flat in Puerto Pollensa could set you back more than £2,554 (3,000 euros) per week, making it the costliest location in Spain. READ MORE: 'I'm a fashion writer and found an unlikely retailer selling glitzy festival-ready outfits' These figures were provided by property valuers Tecnitasa. Puerto Pollensa, a port on Majorca's northern coast, has been a tourist magnet for years and is particularly popular with Brits, according to the abcMallorca travel guide. The guide praises the town's lengthy sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, its "splendid array" of dining options and "excellent" hotels, reports the Express. Portrayed as a family-friendly resort, the town reportedly offers breathtaking views of Pollensa Bay, which inspired a tale by Agatha Christie. For those who enjoy hiking, the Boquer Valley trail offers a scenic route to a secluded cove. For a more challenging trek, there's the path to the former Lluc monastery in the Tramuntana mountains. For golf enthusiasts, Golf Pollensa offers a 9-hole course located on the main road to Palma, while the 18-hole Alcanada course, although further afield, is described by abcMallorca as a "challenging, top-level" experience. The resort town of Puerto Pollensa is characterised by Tui as embodying the authentic spirit of Spain, boasting "pretty beaches", a picturesque cobbled promenade, and "charming" traditional stone houses. Puerto Pollensa features two beaches: Pollensa Beach, which provides sun loungers and water sports facilities, and the more secluded Albercutx Beach, a family-friendly spot with shallow waters and shaded areas. A mere half-hour bus ride away lies Cap de Formentor, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs and a rugged peninsula. Visitors to Puerto Pollensa can choose from a variety of accommodations, including Hotel Illa d'Or, Hoposa Hotel, and Hotel Llenaire. The town is also home to a range of dining options, such as Bellaverde, Terrae, the family-run Zarzales, Hoposa Bahia at the Bahia Hotel, and La Llonja, which specialises in seafood. Majorca is easily accessible via direct flights from Jet2, easyJet, TUI, Ryanair, British Airways, Iberia, Lauda Europe and Qatar Airways. The average flight duration is two hours and 35 minutes, and Puerto Pollensa is approximately 50 minutes from Palma by car via the Ma-13.
Dublin Live
09-06-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Panic as prices of food and drinks soar by 50% at popular Spain destination
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Over the past five years, food prices on the Balearic Islands have skyrocketed in tandem with the surge in tourist numbers. Essential items such as oil and bottled water have seen a price hike of over 50%. While local protests have primarily centred around the archipelago's strained housing market, believed to be due to an increase in short-term rentals and second-home ownership, a burgeoning cost-of-living crisis is also being experienced in this popular holiday destination. According to a survey by the Balearic Institute of Social Studies, concerns about affording everyday food items surpassed overtourism and the housing market as the most urgent worry among residents, with 84% of respondents classifying it as a serious problem, reports the Express. Alfonso Rodriguez, president of the Consubal consumers association, reported that the price of oil has shot up by 67% since 2020, with sugar, lamb, bottled water and juice all also increasing by approximately 50%, as per the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Alongside growing discontent and a new wave of planned demonstrations, these escalating costs could deter international tourists from choosing Majorca and Ibiza for their summer holidays - research indicates a decline in both domestic and foreign expenditure. Restauración CAEB, a restaurant association, published data showing a revenue decrease in Majorca's hospitality sector of up to 20% during the first quarter of 2025, with both Spanish visitors and those from overseas seeming to spend less than the previous year. The association's president Juan Miguel Ferrer has issued a stark warning about the local economy, stating: "If spending in our sector decreases, it will inevitably affect the entire local economy." Soaring food prices might not only dent tourist wallets but could also stem from the surge of affluent expats, who now constitute nearly half of the archipelago's population. The Balearic Islands' dependency on imports, along with escalating inflation and raw material costs, leaves it exposed to steep food prices. Consequently, business owners may have no option but to transfer these costs to consumers – a move that wealthy expats and tourists might absorb, but one that could exacerbate the financial strain for locals already battling with rent payments. "Majorca has become uber-expensive for the average consumer, and is perhaps in danger of outpricing itself in favour of caressing the plump wallets of the super-rich," journalist Peter Clover wrote in the Majorca Daily Bulletin last summer. "I'm almost certain that somewhere along the line, some retail entrepreneurs are taking the proverbial and raking in the profits, while happily shafting the customer," and concluded, "But that still means that as an island, we take a harder hit than most!" The social studies institute has found that housing access is firing up as the second hottest topic for Balearic residents, with a striking 72% branding it as a "great concern". Meanwhile, a hefty two-thirds of the 1,300 individuals polled expressed deep worry over the lasting impacts of overtourism on their sunny isles. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
