UK tourists have been warned over the one rule which could result in a hefty £2,500 fine in Spain
UK tourists have been warned over crucial rules which could result in a hefty £2,500 fine if broken in Spain(Image: Zowy Voeten/Getty Images)
An alert to UK tourists has been issued over ignoring one crucial rule which could see you hit with a hefty fine in Spain.
Specialists at property portal, Idealista, has made a list of what can get you in hot water while on holiday, but one regulation in specific will sorely hurt your pocket.
Enjoying a day at the beach is no crime, however, if you are caught swimming at a time when you have been explicitly told not to, expect to cough up an eyewatering some of money.
UK tourists and locals caught taking a dip when there is a red flag at the seaside could be hit with a £2,500 fine, according to the company.
Red flags are essential to protect swimmers from dangerous water conditions, and if you are spotted cooling off in the waves when the flag is up you could be putting yourself at a massive risk.
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Another offence which can result in a hefty fine is taking your pet along to a beach which is classed as restricted.
Many beaches in Spain permit dogs during the winter months, usually between October and March, but it is common for local councils to bring in rules over the summer.
If these rules are ignored, you could be handed a £2,500 fine for the crime.
Another offence which could get you into trouble is public drinking on beaches, as this is prohibited by many councils.
Drinking on the beach or the promenade could leave you with a charge between £1,200 and £2,500.
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Paddle tennis is also banned at multiple beaches in Spain, and again, can result in fines up to £2,500. Areas including Benidorm, San Javier and Murcia are amongst a few which have tight rules on this game, the Express said.
Those hoping to spend summer in the sun in Spain must take note of the rules to avoid being handed a nasty surprise fine.
Full list of beach fines in Spain, according to Idealista:
- 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.
- Reserving beach spots with towels or umbrellas: 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).
- Alcohol 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).