With summer finally upon us, millions of will be eagerly awaiting their holidays abroad. It is expected to be another bumper year for tourism in , with visitor numbers expected to see continued growth from last year. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that tourism will contribute a whopping €260.5 billion to GDP in 2025.
Most soon-to-be travellers will be counting down the days until they can stretch out on the sand of a Spanish with their friends and family. However, few realise that the southern European country actually has several strict laws about beach etiquette, which bring with them eye-watering fines, which run the risk of ruining your trip.
Luckily, Spain's leading property portal, , has compiled a list of what you should not do on Spanish beaches. While some may seem obvious, others could creep up on you, as their activities are legal in the UK.
One rule that is particularly likely to catch holidaymakers out is that is banned nationwide and punishable by a €750 fine. This is to prevent of the local water supply and protect marine life. While it is discouraged in the UK, there is no specific law directly prohibiting shampoo use at British beaches.
Surprisingly, urinating in the sea can lead to a €705 (£593) fine. This is especially the case in places like Vigo on Spain's northwest coast.
While the idea of a sleepover on the sand may be a bucket list activity for some, save this for a different country. Fines for sleeping overnight on a beach in Spain range from €40 (£33) to a whopping €1,500 (£1,200), especially in . Additionally, don't even think about pitching up a tent or shelter without authorisation, as in some municipalities, again including Valencia, impose fines of up to €3,000 (£2,500).
Full list of Spanish beach fines:- Pets on the beach: Prohibited on most beaches (except guide dogs), with fines up to £2.5k (€3k).
- Beach parties & loud music: Strictly regulated. Fines can reach £18.55 (€22) per square yard for unauthorised gatherings and £632 (€750) for playing music too loudly.
- Illegal street vending: Selling goods without a permit can cost up to £1.2k (€1.5k).
- Tents & shelters without authorisation: Some municipalities, like Valencia, impose fines between £1.2k (€1,501) and £2.5k (€3k).
- Using soap or shampoo at beach showers: Banned nationwide, punishable by a £632 (€750) fine.
- Urinating in the sea: Surprisingly, this can lead to fines of £594 (€705) in places like Vigo.
- Sleeping overnight on the beach: Fines range from £33 (€40) to £1.2k (€1.5k), especially in Valencia.
- : Can cost up to £632 (€750) in Benidorm and £252 (€300) in Malaga.
- Swimming under a red flag: Very dangerous-and expensive-with fines up to £2.5k (€3.k).
- Playing paddle tennis: Forbidden in areas like Benidorm and San Javier, Murcia, with fines up to £2.5k (€3k).
- No smoking areas: Many beaches are now smoke-free zones. Fines for smoking where it's banned can reach £379 (€450).
- consumption: Though sometimes overlooked, fines for drinking on the beach or promenade can range from £1.2k (€1,501) to £2.5k (€3k).
- Littering: Leaving rubbish behind could cost you between £633 (€751) and £1,264 (€1,500).
