Although the Coastal Law prohibits the privatization of beaches and establishes standards at a national level, each municipality has the authority to establish its own regulations specific.
Hence, there is a common legislation that applies to the vast majority of beaches in Spain and that is essential to know if we do not want to be fined this summer.
Reserve a spot on the beach
Something that is very common and can cause discomfort among users on a beach is, without a doubt, reserving a spot. Beyond the discomfort caused by not being able to leave your towel in a spot that is apparently free, the law has already legislated in this regard.
On the Malaga beach of Torrox, Leaving belongings to guard the beachfront is prohibited.These objects will be removed and kept by the town hall for 14 days. To recover them, a deposit of 30 euros must be paid. This regulation was implemented for the first time in Spain in 2014.
Other fines that apply to the beach environment in Spain
Here are some of the fines imposed in coastal areas of Spain that receive a large influx of tourists during the summer:
Wash with soap in the showers
The Alicante City Council prohibits, through an ordinance, the Use of soap in showers, footbaths and beach toiletsas well as the cleaning of kitchen utensils in these facilities. This violation can result in fines of up to 750 euros.
Put music on speakers
Cadiz City Council allows the use of loudspeakers on beaches Only when “regulated and authorized” activities are carried outThe use of headphones is recommended and the fine for breaking this rule can be up to 750 euros.
Pets allowed on beaches
In Tarragona, the city council prohibits the entry of pets to the beaches (except guide dogs) between 1 April and 15 October. Breaking this rule is a serious offence with fines of up to 1,500 euros.
Street food vending
The Malaga City Council considers the Street selling of food products as a serious offencepunishable by fines ranging from 300 to 3,000 euros.
Setting up tents without permission
On some beaches in Spain, such as in Valencia, setting up tents without prior authorization is considered a ‘very serious’ violation with fines ranging from 1,501 to 3,000 euros.
These regulations vary between different municipalities and reflect the need to maintain order and coexistence on the beaches during the high tourist season.