Dress Code Fines Every Solo Female Traveller Over 50 Should Know About
If you’re planning a sunny Spanish getaway this summer—whether it’s a solo escape to the Balearics or a cultural ramble through Barcelona—there’s something you’ll need to pack along with your sunhat and sandals: a sense of modesty. Yes, really.
Spain, with all its relaxed beach vibes, flamenco flair, and sangria sunsets, might seem like the sort of place where anything goes. But when it comes to what you wear (or don’t wear), the rules can be surprisingly strict. And ignoring them could see you slapped with a fine that’ll make your holiday spending money vanish quicker than an ice cream in 40-degree heat.
Here’s everything a solo female traveller—especially those of us with a bit of life experience under our (tastefully understated) belts—needs to know to avoid dress code disasters in España this summer.
Bikinis Are for the Beach – Not the Bar
Let’s start with the obvious. Bikinis and swimming costumes are absolutely fine—on the beach or by the pool. But pop into a bar, restaurant or even stroll along a seaside promenade in your cossie, and you could find yourself £250 poorer. No, that’s not a typo. In cities like Barcelona, local authorities have cracked down on beachwear in public spaces.
Even more popular spots like Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera have joined the fashion police ranks. In the Balearic Islands, fines can hit an eye-watering £500 if you’re caught in your swimwear outside of designated zones.
And just to be clear—this rule isn’t gender specific. Shirtless men are just as likely to face fines as women showing too much skin. So, while that flirty waiter might be tempting, keep your top on, ladies.
A Word About “Cheeky” Swimwear
Now, for those who like a bit of flair (or a daring thong) when sunbathing—be warned. G-strings, thongs and see-through swimwear may be popular on Instagram, but in real-life Spain, they’re often frowned upon. In tourist-heavy spots like San Sebastián, local police are enforcing modesty with gusto.
So, if you’re planning to channel your inner beach goddess, make sure she’s wearing something that wouldn’t cause Auntie Marge to faint. And remember, walking to or from the beach in your swimwear—even if you’re just nipping back to the hotel—can also lead to a fine. Time to dust off that stylish sarong or kaftan, perhaps?
Cultural Sensitivity Counts Too
While we’re on the subject of clothing, it’s also worth being aware that Spain has rules around face coverings, particularly in public buildings. This includes items worn for religious or cultural reasons, like burkas or niqabs. In places like town council offices, you may be asked to remove face coverings for security reasons.
It’s always wise to respect local laws and customs—something most of us seasoned solo travellers are already quite good at. If you’re unsure whether something is appropriate, a little research or a polite enquiry can save a lot of hassle later.
Offensive Clothing? Don’t Even Think About It
That cheeky T-shirt from your hen do back in the day? Best leave it at home. Clothing with offensive language, nudity or sexually suggestive images is banned in many public areas, particularly beaches around Valencia and Málaga. Yes, even if it was “just a laugh”.
Local police are authorised to issue on-the-spot fines—and they’re not afraid to use that power. So, unless your idea of holiday fun includes handing over a chunk of your spending money to an unimpressed officer, keep things tasteful.
Spain’s Not Just Policing Outfits—Alcohol Rules Are Tightening Too
Now, don’t panic. Your sunset sangria is still safe. But be aware that several Spanish hotspots are cracking down on alcohol consumption and rowdy behaviour, especially in notorious party zones like Magaluf, Playa de Palma, Ibiza, and San Antonio.
Happy hours, pub crawls, party boats, and even alcohol vending machines have all been given the boot in many areas. Off-licence alcohol sales are banned between 9:30 pm and 8 am, and public drunkenness is firmly discouraged.
While this won’t affect most mature women enjoying a quiet glass of wine on a terrace, it’s useful to know. That “harmless” bottle of Rioja you were planning to buy after dinner? Better get it before 9:30 pm or you’re out of luck.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Go
Spain is a wonderful destination—packed with culture, sunshine, history and some of the world’s best tapas. But just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean we can leave all our common sense at the departure gate.
For solo female travellers over 50, many of these rules won’t feel overly restrictive—they’re often simply a case of dressing smartly and respectfully. Still, it’s good to know what’s expected so you don’t get caught out.
Before you jet off, do yourself a favour: check the local laws for the area you’re visiting. Pop a lightweight cover-up or cotton dress in your beach bag. And when in doubt, ask a local or hotel concierge what’s acceptable.
After all, we’re not here to make fashion statements—we’re here to sip sangria, explore sun-drenched villages, and make the most of our fabulous freedom. And we’d rather spend that £500 on a spa day, wouldn’t we?
