Locals in Palma, Majorca, have called for people flouting Spain’s strict rules on swimwear to be ‘arrested’ after a holidaymaker was seen strolling in just a pair of green trunks in the city’s shopping district
This is the moment one sunbather prompted fury on the streets of a Spanish tourist destination after flouting a strict clothing rule.
The unabashed man was spotted marching down a pavement in Majorca in just his tiny swimming briefs, oblivious to the horror of passers-by. Wearing just swimwear or even just being bare-chested is against the rules in various parts of the country – and those falling foul can face a hefty fine.
Locals in Palma have furiously reacted to the clip of the man brazenly walking past a Zara store in the island capital’s main shopping district while dressed in just a green pair of swim trunks. Carrying a red towel and a phone, the mystery man leaves little to the imagination as he continues down the main shopping boulevard drawing bemused stares.
Spanish officials ban the wearing of swimwear only in public places outside the beach or poolside. In the Balearics, where the man was spotted, anyone breaking this rule can expect a £500 fine.
Stripping off t-shirts – no matter how hot it is – is also off-limits in some parts, and bare-chested Brits need to keep their tops on at all times. According to the UK Foreign Office (FCDO): “In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts.
“Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.” The video, which has circulated online and was shared by Majorca Daily Bulletin, comes as islanders in the Balearics call for crackdowns on boozy, ‘low quality’ tourism.
One woman commenting beneath the clip wrote: “Please arrest these near naked people. Or the shirtless, near nude, bikini wearing morons who wander around markets, towns and shops. Ukkk! Quality tourism can’t come soon enough!”
Residents in neighbouring island Ibiza meanwhile have been staging demonstrations over the culture of binge drinking and drug taking amongst its visitors coming for its world-famous nightlife. Ibiza attracts 3million tourists a year, including 800,000 Brits.
But many are becoming increasingly frustrated at the mass influx, saying the island “can’t take it anymore”. Spokeswoman for the group Prou Eivissa -which has planned a protest later this month – Jacquie Perry said they are “in no way against British tourism”, adding: “We welcome anyone who wants to enjoy our culture, gastronomy, traditions, our beautiful beaches.
“We consider it essential to achieve a balance between residents and tourists. We urge anyone who appreciates a respectful life… to come and make their presence felt so authorities truly feel the pressure that makes us say: Ibiza cannot take any more!”