'Don't be conspicuous': Spain's Málaga urges tourists to behave

Málaga City Council's Tourism Department has relaunched a campaign this summer entitled "Improve your stay in Málaga", the aim of which is to promote better behaviour among visitors.

The campaign features a list of ten rules which tourists should abide by, promoting tourism that respects coexistence with locals, and was first launched last summer.

It tackles issues such as noise pollution, dress code, cleanliness and responsible use of scooters and bicycles.

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It encourages visitors to ‘Keep the City Clean,' by using rubbish bins, and restrooms, as well as urging the care of heritage, gardens, and public furniture like park benches.

Tourists are also reminded not to shout or play loud music and to respect quiet at night-time in residential areas, urging holidaymakers "do not be conspicuous".

The rules also remind visitors to dress appropriately around the city and cover their tops. "Dress completely," as they put it. Going topless or wearing beach attire in the city is not allowed for example, this is only for the beach.

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Another point the campaign covers is that "Sidewalks Are for Pedestrians," which points to the municipal ordinance requiring scooters and bicycles to circulate in legally designated spaces.

The campaign has been presented on billboards across the city, as well as social media and local buses.

Last year, Málaga increased the fines for infractions such as littering, antisocial behaviour and making too much noise up to €750.

Málaga residents also took part in several protests against mass-tourism last year, complaining about being priced out of their own neighbourhoods due to short-term tourist rentals, noise, as well as the antisocial behaviour of certain types of tourists.

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There was also an incident last year in which locals plastered the city with anti-tourism stickers with slogans such as: “This used to be my home” (antes esta era mi casa) , “go f*cking home” (a tu puta casa), “stinking of tourist” (apestando a turista) and “this used to be the city centre” (antes esto era el centro).

The issue in Málaga is part of the wider problem of mass tourism in Spain, which has particularly been affecting Barcelona, the Balearic and Canary Islands, San Sebastián and Seville. Residents of all these places protested at some point in 2024, if not multiple times, and there have already been several protests this year too.

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