Fines and tough regulations hit Spain’s beaches this summer

TOUGH regulations will restrict what is permitted on Spain’s beaches, with some activities incurring fines of up to €3,000.

The beaches of San Pedro del Pinatar on the Costa Blanca will become some of the strictest in the country when the new rules come into force on July 18.

Playing ball sports on the beach or in the sea, nudism and urinating in the sea can result in fines of up to €750.

Reserving a place on the beach by using a parasol, bringing any pets, littering and cycling on the seafront will also face fines of the same amount.

‘Serious infractions’ can incur penalties between €1,500 and €3,000. These include using fire, barbeques, fishing out of season or in prohibited areas and sailing within 200 metres of the shore and causing damage to marine flora and wildlife.

Costa del Sol

Malaga’s beaches will also have tough regulations in place, which prohibit loud music, parking and camping on its beaches. Swimming in areas designated for boats, and adversely sailing – including pedal boats – near areas for swimmers is also banned. Breaking these rules will result in fines of up to €300

Similarly to San Pedro del Pinatar, playing ball sports – however if you are at least six metres away from other beachgoers it is permitted -, bringing pets and lighting a fire on the beach is also prohibited, with maximum fines for ignoring these rules reaching €,3000.

Other serious infractions include depositing materials which can contaminate or cause accidents on the beach as well as the sale of food and drink on the beach will incur the maximum fines.

Tenerife

On the Villa de Arisco and Arona beaches, building sand castles, moats or walls can result in fines between €600 and €1,500

Barcelona

Surfing is prohibited when the sea is too rough. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a €1,500 fine.