New smoking ban on Antalya beaches could land Brits £28 fine

Antalya is one of the most-visited cities in the world, welcoming more than 17 million tourists each year, including around 1.6 million Brits (third-largest source of international visitors).

Tourists visiting the Turkish resort city are being warned about a new smoking ban that has just been introduced on select beaches.

Antalya beaches affected by new smoking ban

A new smoking ban came into force on beaches in Antalya on June 5.

The new restrictions will initially apply to the following beaches:

• Lara
• Belek
• Çamyuva
• Beach Park

This will be the first phase of a broader initiative, according to local news outlet Daily Sabah.

The smoking ban on Antalya beaches is said to be part of the ‘Blue Mediterranean Initiative’, which aims to "protect marine ecosystems".

Project coordinator Ebru Şahin, speaking in the Hurriyet Daily News, said: "Cigarette butts pose a far greater threat to the marine environment than many people realise".

Mr Şahin explained: "Images taken from the sea floor showed what at first appeared to be marine organisms or sponges, but were actually cigarette butts.

"They accumulate among sand and pebbles, are carried into the sea by currents and cause serious damage to the ecosystem.

"Protecting the seas begins with small behavioural changes."

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What is the fine for breaking the smoking ban on Antalya beaches?

Individuals caught smoking on the impacted Antalya beaches could be fined 1,764 Turkish Lira (roughly £28).

This could increase to 5,000 lira (£181) under the proposed new laws.

Italian water bottle ban that could land Brits £435 fine

Brits travelling to the Italian Island of Capri are also being warned about a little-known water bottle law that could land them a "hefty fine".

Single-use plastics are banned in Capri. (Image: Getty Images)

Strict rules were introduced back in 2019 around the use of single-use plastics.

The former Mayor of Capri, Gianni De Martino, approved an order banning all non-biodegradable single-use plastics from the Neapolitan municipality.

This rule applies to tourists and residents.

Despite the change being introduced seven years ago, travel expert and executive director of John Mason International Movers, Simon Hood, said few Brits are truly aware of the rule.

And breaking the law could land travellers a €500 (around £435) fine.

Capri authorities remain on a "state of heightened alert" on beaches and the coastal strip, Mr Hood warned, while the law also targets bars and restaurants in the area.

Have you got a holiday booked to Antalya in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.