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With its glistening beaches, warm weather and year-round pleasant temperatures, Portugal remains a top destination for travellers hoping to escape the cooler autumn weather and soak up a bit of sun.
However, before you set out for a beach stroll or a refreshing dip in the Ocean, travel expert Jessica Bollinger has warned tourists of a simple mistake that could risk a €750 (£625) fine.
Many of us are guilty of taking a whizz in the sea on holiday because it’s easier than having to dry off and traipse to the loo.
In Portugal, however, it’s worth the effort, as your mid-swim pee is actually illegal, and you’ll face harsh penalties for breaking the law.
‘Peeing in the ocean in Portugal is not just one of those unspoken rules,’ says the expert, from youth travel agency Kilroy. ‘Whilst, granted, it must be a difficult law to police, it’s been put in place for a very good reason.’
Jessica explains: ‘The rule has been introduced for hygiene reasons because urine is toxic to aquatic wildlife and can be destructive to the ocean’s biodiversity and coral reefs.’
But holidaymakers shouldn’t panic too much, as Jessica adds: ‘Most public beaches will have toilets which can be used for free or for a small charge.’
Public urination is banned on land too, but that’s slightly easier to police. Many have questioned how the fines will be enforced and who will be responsible for identifying culprits – with the answer still unclear.
While it’s likely the rule is meant to act as a deterrent more than anything, you’re better off avoiding the urge to relieve yourself until you can get to a loo.
Portugal isn’t the only place that’s cracking down on this either; several areas in Spain have enforced rules against public urination, including in the sea, as part of broader efforts to combat over-tourism.
Popular tourist resorts such as Vigo, Marbella and Costa Del Sol have also implemented fines to protect the cleanliness of their beaches – with travellers facing the same €750 fee for urinating in the sea.
In Benidorm, travellers could face a hefty fine of €660 (£553) for using soap or shampoo in the beachside showers, and the holiday destination also fines smokers up to €2,000 (£1,676) for lighting up at the seaside, or €1,200 (£1,005) for those venturing out onto the sand between midnight and 7am.
Similarly, smoking is banned on several beaches across Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca too.
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