The popular destination of Málaga on the south east coast of Spain has introduced a set of 10 etiquette rules aimed at helping visitors avoid behaviours that are considered antisocial (and avoid costly fines for breaking the code).
Advertised prominently on social media and across the city on transport and posters, the “Improve Your Stay” campaign informs guests of the best ways to stay within social norms, amid growing resentment from locals and widespread anti-tourism protests across Spanish territories.
The move follows a series of regulations brought in during 2024 to better manage littering, control noise, and reduce public intemperance, with financial penalties of up to €750 for those who disregard the decrees. The 10 top tips are taken “very seriously” by the forces of law and order and officials, the campaign materials say. They ask tourists to obey the following requests.
Improve your stay in Malaga!
— Málaga Turismo (@turismodemalaga) July 17, 2025
🗑️Keep the city clean
👕Dress completely
🚶 Sidewalks are for pedestrians
🔇Do not be conspicuous
Thank you! pic.twitter.com/pDMEX4nMR3
Keep the city clean by using the waste bins, containers, and other services the city provides. Also, be respectful of heritage by taking care around historical buildings and cultural or artistic landmarks. The campaign points out that some artefacts have been around for centuries.
Do not drink alcohol on the street or attract attention. It is interesting that these two rules are grouped together, highlighting that unruly behaviour often goes hand in hand with overconsumption of alcohol. There is “no excuse” for disruption, the campaign says, whether it’s exuberance prompted by being on holiday or simply experiencing pleasant weather. As per last year, people are also asked to avoid nudity and dress completely.
Keep bikes and scooters away from pavements, which the campaign points out are for pedestrians only. Scooters may only be ridden by one person at a time, officials note.
Avoid parties or noise-making that might disturb neighbours in nearby buildings or on the street. The city wants visitors to recognise that while they may be on vacation, others are not. Málaga is a real city, with real inhabitants, and so “Seniors, sick people, students, children, workers … they all need a few hours of rest every day.”
Ensure that facilities and infrastructure provided by the city’s tourism professionals remain in good condition and available for everyone by using resources wisely. That respect should also extend to the human beings who work in the sector, the campaign notes, asking visitors to “be sympathetic and kind to workers in the tourism industry: shop assistants, waiters, receptionists, taxi drivers, tourist guides, cleaners … They are all working hard to offer the best possible services.”
Rule number nine covers awareness of one’s surroundings, asking guests to “show appreciation” of places visited, such as museums and churches, that should command a respectful attitude. Finally, the city asks visitors to “explore, support and respect” local businesses and events such as festivals, without disturbing the normal run of things.
