According to Postal, the statement is false, and there is no basis in Portuguese law that prohibits bathers from urinating in the ocean. Although the picture has been republished, Postal had already debunked the information in November 2024.

The rumour arose after travel expert Jessica Bollinger mentioned that it is illegal to urinate in the sea in Portugal, stating that "many tourists have a habit of urinating in the sea during their holidays, as it is more practical than getting out of the water and looking for a toilet. In Portugal, however, it is worth making the effort, as urinating in the sea is illegal and can result in severe penalties for breaking the law."

Jessica Bollinger, quoted by Postal, added that "urinating in the ocean in Portugal is not just one of those unspoken rules. Although it is admittedly a difficult law to enforce, it was created for a good reason: hygiene. Urine is toxic to aquatic life and harmful to biodiversity and coral reefs."

The National Association of Municipalities (ANM) confirmed to Postal that, in Portugal, there are no laws regulating the prohibition of urinating in Portuguese waters. This way, the picture that is circulating online is not sharing real information.

Spain’s case

However, in Spain, according to Euronews, in Vigo, fines of €750 are imposed on anyone who ‘relieves themselves on the beach or in the sea’, and the same happens in Marbella, which has gone from imposing a fine of €300 to more than double that amount.

Author

Currently, the Deputy Editor at The Portugal News, Bruno G. Santos, is really interested in national politics. With a degree in Journalism and Communication, he also loves to write about different topics like Portuguese culture, society and other current affairs. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos