The Unexpected Beach Rule Tourists Should Know Before Visiting Portugal To Avoid Fines

Planning a Portuguese beach vacation requires a lot more than just packing sunscreen and choosing the perfect swimsuit. Whether you're visiting the Algarve region or exploring the city of Porto, visiting some of Portugal's best beaches means planning ahead — and, along with knowing the best spots to swim, this also involves understanding some of the rules and regulations that come with spending a little time under the sun. From smoking bans to alcohol laws and common clothing mistakes that can get you in trouble once you're off the sand, plenty of famous beach destinations are starting to implement a series of measures designed to protect both residents and visitors — and Portugal is no different.

In fact, the typically relaxed country has joined the trend with a pretty significant new rule that might surprise foreign visitors. Per the country's National Maritime Authority (via Euronews), beachgoers can expect fines of up to €36,000 (about $38,000) for playing loud music on the beach — targeting bathers with portable speakers and other noise-generating activities that disturb the peace of beachgoers. And while individual perpetrators might get slapped with fines between €200 and €4,000 (about $210 and $4,200), groups could receive much steeper penalties — as well as the potential consequence of having their speaker confiscated by local police.

Put simply, the regulation aims to create a more peaceful beach environment for everyone — especially people who didn't come to the beach to be hounded by loud music and parties. This basically means you're better off leaving your portable speakers at home — or at least, keeping them turned off while you're on the sand. And while the regulation doesn't specify exact decibel levels, officials confirmed they will respond to complaints from other beach visitors who feel disturbed by the noise and investigate any reports of sound equipment.

What exactly constitutes a disturbance? Well, think of it as any amplified sound that travels beyond your immediate beach spot. Because even if you believe your music adds to the beach atmosphere, other visitors might prefer the natural sounds of waves and seabirds instead — especially in the hidden gem Portuguese beaches that aren't used to drawing in large crowds. Still others might be trying to take a nap, read a book, or just relax in the quiet of nature.

That's not all, however. Portugal's music ban joins other beach regulations put in place to help keep the country's coastline enjoyable for everyone. Along with turning the music down, you'll also need to avoid playing ball games outside designated areas, camping on the beach, fishing in spots reserved for swimming, and even lighting fires.