Spain Joins Australia, France, Mexico, US, Philippines, Italy, Thailand, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Portugal in New Beach Smoking Ban to Promote Cleaner Travel and Responsible Tourism: What You Need to Know

Published on March 29, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Spain has officially joined a growing list of global destinations—including Australia, France, Mexico, US, the Philippines, Italy, Thailand, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Portugal—that have introduced beach smoking bans aimed at reducing pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and encouraging healthier tourism practices. These new regulations are not only reshaping beach experiences for travelers but also reflect a worldwide shift toward more sustainable, responsible tourism. Here’s everything you need to know about which beaches are affected, how the bans are enforced, and what this means for your next seaside getaway.

As international tourism continues to bounce back, many countries are rethinking the way they manage public spaces—especially their coastlines. In a major move that reflects a growing global trend, Spain has joined an expanding list of countries banning smoking on beaches to combat pollution, protect ecosystems, and foster more responsible tourism.

Spain Steps Up for Sustainability

Spain’s smoking ban on beaches is part of a larger effort to reduce the environmental damage caused by cigarette waste and to encourage healthier, cleaner public spaces. Since a 2021 law allowed local governments to restrict smoking in outdoor areas, dozens of municipalities have acted.

Among the newly smoke-free beaches are:

• L’Albir Beach (Alicante) – A popular destination on the Costa Blanca, now banning smoking to improve cleanliness and attract eco-conscious travelers.
• Levante and Poniente Beaches (Benidorm) – High-traffic beaches now enforcing bans to protect marine life and maintain cleaner shorelines.
• Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, and Bogatell (Barcelona) – Fully smoke-free as part of a citywide campaign for environmental awareness.
• Malvarrosa Beach (Valencia) – Included in the regional smoking restrictions introduced by the Valencian government.

Spain’s approach aligns with rising local opposition to overtourism and aims to maintain the natural beauty of its coastlines amid record-breaking tourist arrivals.

Global Destinations Going Smoke-Free

Australia

Australia has long embraced smoke-free policies. In Queensland, smoking is banned at all patrolled beaches, as well as within 10 meters of children’s play areas and outdoor dining zones. Some notable smoke-free beaches include:

• Surfers Paradise Beach (Gold Coast)
• Burleigh Heads Beach (Gold Coast)
• Noosa Main Beach (Sunshine Coast)

In New South Wales, local councils have adopted beach smoking bans at:

• Bondi Beach
• Coogee Beach
• Manly Beach

These measures help reduce litter and protect the marine ecosystem, particularly from toxic cigarette filters.

France

France was one of the earliest adopters of beach smoking bans in Europe. It started with Plage Lumière in La Ciotat in 2011, the first European beach to go smoke-free. Today, the country has expanded the ban to include all beaches nationwide.

Other famous smoke-free French beaches include:

• Paloma Beach (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
• Plage de la Gravette (Antibes)
• Plage de la Salis (Antibes)
• Beaches along the Promenade des Anglais (Nice)

This is part of France’s broader plan to create a “tobacco-free generation” by 2032.

Mexico

Mexico passed one of the world’s toughest anti-smoking laws in January 2023, banning smoking in all public spaces, including beaches. Tourists and residents alike can now face fines for lighting up on:

• Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo)
• Tulum Beach (Tulum)
• Puerto Vallarta Beach (Jalisco)
• Mazatlán Beach (Sinaloa)

Smoking is only allowed in private homes, making this one of the most comprehensive beach smoking bans globally.

Hawaii, USA

Hawaii was one of the first U.S. states to implement widespread beach smoking bans. Since 2015, smoking has been illegal in all state parks and beaches, with counties adding even stricter measures.

Key smoke-free Hawaiian beaches include:

• Waikiki Beach (Oahu)
• Lanikai Beach (Oahu)
• Poipu Beach (Kauai)
• Kaanapali Beach (Maui)

These bans are enforced with fines ranging from $100 to $500 and aim to preserve the islands’ delicate ecosystems.

The Philippines

Following major environmental restoration projects, especially on Boracay Island, the Philippines implemented strict beach smoking bans. Tourists cannot smoke on:

• White Beach (Boracay)
• Alona Beach (Bohol)
• Nacpan Beach (Palawan)

This aligns with the country’s broader effort to maintain sustainable tourism practices and keep its beaches pristine.

Italy

Italy does not have a national ban, but many municipalities and regions have stepped up with local smoking restrictions.

Smoke-free beaches now include:

• Spiaggia di Porto Giunco (Sardinia)
• Viareggio Beach (Tuscany)
• Monterosso al Mare (Liguria)

These areas often enforce the rules with fines ranging from €25 to €500 depending on location and season. The bans are typically active during peak tourist months.

Thailand

Thailand enforces beach smoking bans in major tourist zones, particularly to protect marine life from cigarette butt pollution.

Smoke-free Thai beaches include:

• Patong Beach (Phuket)
• Ao Nang Beach (Krabi)
• Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui)

Offenders risk fines up to 100,000 THB or one year in jail, signaling how seriously Thailand is taking eco-tourism.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica implemented a nationwide smoking ban in 2012 that includes beaches and other outdoor recreational spaces. While specific beaches aren’t individually listed in the law, enforcement is common at:

• Playa Tamarindo (Guanacaste)
• Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
• Playa Dominical (Puntarenas)

The ban is part of Costa Rica’s commitment to eco-tourism and environmental preservation.

Brazil

Brazil’s smoking bans are more localized but are growing in number. In Rio de Janeiro, for instance, smoking is banned on beaches like:

• Copacabana Beach
• Ipanema Beach
• Leblon Beach

These bans support broader citywide efforts to reduce pollution and improve quality of life in high-traffic areas.

Portugal

Portugal has expanded its public smoking restrictions to outdoor spaces, including beaches, as part of its goal for a smoke-free generation by 2040.

Smoke-free beaches in Portugal include:

• Praia da Luz (Algarve)
• Carcavelos Beach (Lisbon area)
• Praia do Tamariz (Estoril)

Enforcement varies, but fines and signage are increasingly common in popular beach zones.

Belgium

Since 2019, several coastal towns in Belgium have designated their beaches as smoke-free zones:

• Oostende Beach
• Knokke-Heist Beach
• De Haan Beach

Fines of up to €350 are imposed for violations, and a national smoking ban on beaches is under consideration.

Croatia

Croatia’s Hvar Island is piloting smoking restrictions on beaches as part of a new campaign to reduce party tourism and promote a more family-friendly environment. The move follows similar efforts in cities like Split and Dubrovnik.

Spain has joined Australia, France, Mexico, US, the Philippines, Italy, Thailand, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Portugal in implementing new beach smoking bans to reduce pollution and support cleaner, more responsible tourism. Here’s what travelers need to know.

What This Means for Travelers

The global shift toward smoke-free beaches reflects a growing awareness of the environmental and health impact of cigarette waste. For travelers, this means it’s more important than ever to research local regulations before heading to the coast. Violations can result in hefty fines, and in some countries, even criminal charges.

More importantly, these bans represent a cultural shift—tourism is no longer just about seeing the world, but protecting it too. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, Australia, Mexico, or any of the other destinations mentioned, embracing these new rules means participating in a cleaner, healthier form of travel.