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

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:

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:

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

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

France

Other famous smoke-free French beaches include:

Mexico

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:

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:

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:

Thailand

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

Smoke-free Thai beaches include:

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

Costa Rica

Brazil

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:

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:

Croatia

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.