Spain’s Outdoor Smoking Ban 2025: What Tourists Need to Know

Non-smokers and yes even smokers have often been annoyed when a beautiful terrace is surrounded by the smell of VAPES or drifting smoke.

Spain is changing that.

In a landmark bill introduced in mid-September 2025, the Spanish government has proposed a ban on smoking, vaping, heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, shisha, and similar devices in a wide range of outdoor public spaces: beaches, restaurant and bar terraces, bus stops, stadiums, playgrounds, and more.

Fresh air will rule! 

This move promises cleaner air, less second-hand smoke exposure, and a different vibe for outdoor Spain – with big implications for tourists and locals alike.

What exactly is in the proposed law:

• Outdoor coverage: Not only does it include terraces and beaches, but also bus stops, stadiums, playgrounds, transport hubs, and even outside schools and medical centres. Previously, many bans were limited to indoor environments or smaller outdoor zoning.
• Products included: Traditional cigarettes and all forms of vaping, plus heated tobacco products (HTPs), nicotine pouches, herbal smoking mixes, shisha, etc.
• Spain is treating them similarly to cigarettes under this proposal.
• Fines & enforcement: Though exact penalties are not yet finalized, violations in banned outdoor zones could lead to fines for both locals and tourists alike. 
• Government backing & opposition:The Health Ministry strongly supports the move as aligning with public health goals and reducing smoking-related deaths.
• This is however a major shift in the outdoor cafe culture. 
• Why this matters: 
• Secondhand smoke & exposure risk
• The toxins released by tobacco smoke affect not only the person smoking but also anyone nearby who inhales the second hand fumes. 
• Vaping among young people
• Surveys all highlight that vaping has become widely accepted particularly  among adolescents.
• A recent survey (Spain, age 14–18) found ~19% smoking, and ~11% using e-cigarettes.
• Many of those using vapes believe them to be ‘safe’ or less harmful, though studies show they still carry risk of lung irritation, exposure to toxins, and potential short-medium and long-term effects. 
• E-cigarettes are not risk-free.
• What this means for travellers
• Be prepared to expect smoke-free terraces.
• Check signs in outdoor areas. Smokers/vapers may only be allowed in designated spots or “smoking corners” (where available).

No law is perfect. 

Enforcement: It’s one thing to pass a law; another to make sure people comply with the new rules and the Canary Islands may interpret enforcement differently.

Business push-back: In tourist areas, terraces are central to café life; restaurants fear losing customers or needing to redesign space.

Grey areas: What counts as “outdoor public space”? Bus stops under cover, mixed indoor/outdoor terraces, or areas that are partially enclosed might lead to confusion.

Compliance for tourists: Visitors might not know local rules, or signage might be unclear or multilingual.

Watch for signs and if in doubt ask!