One of the Romanians' favorite summer vacation destinations has banned smoking on the beaches
Antalya authorities banned smoking on some of its most popular beaches at the beginning of summer, with millions of tourists annually, according to the Sun publication. Those who smoke or throw crackers in prohibited areas risk a fine of 1,764 Turkish liras (33 euros).
From June 5, 2026, on the beaches of Lara, Belek, Çamyuva and Beach Park, smoking and throwing cigarette butts on the sand was prohibited. The fine for breaking the law is 1,764 Turkish lira.
The decision is part of the “Blue Mediterranean Initiative”, which focuses on marine conservation. The coordinator of the project declared, for the press in Turkey, that the cigarettes on the bottom of the sea “are transposed into the sea by currents and cause serious damage to the ecosystem”.
According to the authorities, quoted by the British publication, 17 million tourists visit Antalya annually.
Smoking was not only banned on some beaches in Turkey. You can't smoke even in closed public spaces, at workplaces or on public transport. According to The Sun, Turkish officials are also considering banning smoking at sports, health or educational activities, playgrounds or places of worship, with fines of up to 5,000 Turkish liras (€94) being imposed for non-compliance.
Turkey followed the example of Spain, which fines people who smoke in prohibited places between 30 and 2,000 euros, and France, which completely bans smoking in all public areas, including beaches, the publication also writes.
