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ARCHIVED - 6 banned beach behaviours that will land you with a fine in Spain
From peeing in the sea to smoking, many beaches across Spain have their own regulations
It’s the perfect weather for kicking back at the beach with family and friends, relaxing in the sunshine and cooling off in the clear coastal waters of Spain. This country has some of the most pristine shorelines in the world, but it takes a lot of work to keep them that way.
For this very reason, several communities have implemented strict rules on beach etiquette so ignore them at your peril, as the fines can reach as high as 1,500 euros and are guaranteed to take the shine off your holiday.
1. Smoking
This regulation hasn’t been rolled out nationally, but several regions now have a no-smoking policy on their beaches. This week, Barcelona became the latest city to implement the tobacco ban and the council has even hired ‘informants’ to scour the sand for rule-breakers.
In Galicia, there are no fewer than 214 smoke-free beaches.
Even where cigarettes are allowed, such in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, bathers could be slapped with a fine for “the dumping of butts and any other tobacco waste on the beaches.”
2. Reserving a space
This has been a common practice for years and one which many local authorities are trying hard to stamp out: claiming a spot on the sand with towels and umbrellas and then going elsewhere. In the Canary Islands, people who leave their belongings on the beach can be fined between 750 and 3,000 euros.
3. Camping
Overnight camping is generally prohibited on all beaches and in public areas, so it’s always advisable to find an approved spot.
In the Region of Murcia, so-called wild camping is considered a serious offence and anyone caught flouting the rules in San Pedro del Pinatar will be looking at a fine of up to 1,500 euros. Likewise, several natural areas are protected, and camping and overnight parking are prohibited to conserve the local flora and fauna.
4. Pets
Spain is a country of animal lovers and so there are many pet-friendly beaches and parks dotted around the country. This being said, dogs are prohibited on many coastlines, but this should be clearly signposted.
The fine for bringing your dog on a people-only beach can vary between 100 and 1,000 euros, depending on the local regulations.
Even where dogs are permitted, most beaches requires owners to keep their pets on a leash, carry a pet passport and always collect their waste.
5. Peeing
Vigo recently implemented a controversial sanction which includes fining people for urinating on the beach or in the sea. Although most people have been left wondering how the rule can possibly be enforced, non-compliance will cost you up to 750 euros.
6. Swimming when a red flag is up
Beach flags are there for our safety, and a red flag is erected when the sea conditions are dangerous, warning swimmers to stay out of the water.
In Algeciras, if a bather decides to go for a dip when the red flag is flying, they will be fined 750 euros.
Image: Flickr
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